The Cook Islands delegation led by Internal Affairs Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown “actively” participated in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 19–21.

Marking three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the conference provided a vital forum to review progress and reaffirm commitments toward achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls, according to the Minister of Internal Affairs (INTAFF).

The outcome of the Conference will lead up and be presented at the 69^th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in March 2025 in New York.

In preparation for the event, the Cook Islands delegation joined Pacific Island Forum (PIF) member countries on November 17–18 for regional discussions to align Pacific priorities. These priorities were spotlighted during the conference, with the Pacific Islands Forum Statement delivered by Lord Vaea, chair of PIFS. Minister Toki-Brown also delivered the Cook Islands’ country statement, reflecting on national progress such as women’s leadership and areas requiring further focus including gender-based violence, women’s health and women’s empowerment.

“Many of you will understand, a woman’s workday does not always start when she enters the workplace. It begins the moment she opens her eyes, where she is a chef, a teacher, a nurse, and the CEO of her home before heading out to work, we must find ways to reduce the burden of care to ensure that our families can thrive,” she said.

According to INTAFF, the Cook Islands recognises this reality and has prioritised family-centered policies, such as extending paid maternity, paternity leave and developing further support in the area of childcare, ensuring that women have the support they need to thrive both at home and in the workplace.

“This sentiment echoes the conference’s call for action to empower women through equitable opportunities and recognition of their invaluable contributions to families and communities. The Cook Islands remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the next generation by addressing gender disparities and fostering inclusive progress.”

The conference also addressed emerging regional issues, including closing the gender digital divide, equality and empowerment, enhancing gender-responsive climate action and gender based violence elimination.

Minister Toki-Brown emphasised the importance of collective efforts to tackle these challenges and reaffirmed the Cook Islands’ commitment to empowering all women and girls, including those with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, ensuring no one is left behind.