APGF: Women/Gender Agenda across the APGF Regions (2000-2018)
This is a collation of Key Agenda/Events in the Pacific Region in: [a] Political Agenda; [b] Climate/Environmental Agenda; [c] Indigenous Agenda; and [4] Any other. examples from APGF Members.
PC Images: From other Greens Parties in our Global Community.
Our story from 2015
A Glimpse into "Women & Gender" across APGF (2000-2018)
From 2000 to 2018, women’s and gender agendas across Asia, the Pacific and the Middle East moved from visibility to stronger legal and political recognition, especially through domestic violence laws, women’s political participation, peace and security frameworks, and climate justice advocacy. However, progress remained uneven. India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Jordan, Lebanon, PNG and Solomon Islands introduced important gender reforms, while women in Palestine, Iraq, Pakistan, PNG and climate-affected Pacific communities continued to face conflict, displacement, violence, poverty and weak implementation. Across all regions, Indigenous women, migrant women, rural women, refugee women and women in conflict or climate-affected settings carried the heaviest burdens, while also leading movements for justice, land, safety, peace and survival.
KELI YEN, APGF Former Secretary
DILIP MANDAL (UKKPP)
WATER LILY *National flower of Bangladesh (Symbol of national unity and survival)
LOTUS *National flower of India (Represents spiritual awakening and resilience)
JASMINE *National flower of Indonesia (Symbol of purity, sincerity, and sacredness)
CHERRY BLOSSOM (Rose of Sharon) *National flower of Japan (Symbol of beauty, mortality, and renewal
HIBISCUS (Rose of Sharon) *National flower of Korea (Symbol of perseverance and immortality)
POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
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Angela Davis
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
2019 APGWN Mentee Alumni Gathering
2000 ■UN Security Council Resolution 1325 adopted, making women, peace and security a global framework, especially relevant for Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Philippines, Solomon Islands and PNG.
2001–2006 ■Japan strengthened legal attention to domestic/spousal violence through the 2001 DV Prevention Law.
2005–2006 ■India passed the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, coming into force in 2006.
2006–2008 ■Nepal entered post-conflict constitutional transition; women’s participation became central to constitution-making and peacebuilding.
2009 ■Philippines passed the Magna Carta of Women, strengthening gender equality obligations.
2011–2018 ■Australia advanced national policy against violence against women through the National Plan framework.
2015 ■Nepal Constitution included equality and women’s rights provisions, though activists continued to challenge citizenship and representation gaps.
2017 ■Jordan and Lebanon repealed “marry-your-rapist” legal loopholes after women’s rights campaigning.
2018 ■New Zealand passed the Domestic Violence—Victims’ Protection Act, recognising domestic violence as a workplace and employment issue.
2019 APGWN WOMEN AT TRAINING
Palestine Sunbird *National bird of Palestine (resilience, beauty, and connection to the land)
European Goldfinch *National bird of Lebanon (freedom, song, and cultural identity)
Sinai Rosefinch *National bird of Jordan (represents Jordan’s natural heritage and iconic landscapes)
Mesopotamian Crow (*National bird of Iraq (Symbolises adaptability and endurance in harsh environments)
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Arundhati Roy
“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way.”
GOLDEN WATTLE *National Plant of Australia (Symbol of unity and resilience (blooms across harsh landscapes); Represents Australia’s natural identity and seasonal renewal (spring); Golden colour associated with warmth and prosperity)
SILVER FERN *National Plant of Aotearoa New Zealand (Deeply connected to Māori identity and knowledge systems; Symbol of strength, protection, and new life; Used historically by Māori as a navigation aid (silver underside reflects light)
COOKTOWN ORCHID *National Plant of Papua New Guinea (Represents beauty, diversity, and cultural richness; Reflects PNG’s extraordinary biodiversity; & Often associated with celebration and pride)
HIBISCUS *National Plant of Solomon Islands (Symbol of beauty, life, and tropical vitality; Reflects the island environment and cultural expression; & Often used in ceremony and adornment)
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT LANDSCAPE
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Arundhati Roy
“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way.”
Partnership with Global Greens Womens Network
From modest beginnings, we've grown through unwavering dedication and a commitment to continuous improvement. Each step has reinforced our core belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of integrity. We're passionate about what we do, and we're excited to share our story with you.
APGWN WOMEN AT GGC 2017
2016 * Several Women Missing from the Salt Area of Uttarakhand State in India: UKPP Writes to the Government to Stop Human Trafficking
By Suresh Nautiyal & Anita Nautiyal
Almora, Uttarakhand, March 2, 2016: Even as the world is gearing up to celebrate the International Women’s Day, the Salt area in the district of Almora in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, India has witnessed several women missing from their houses.
It is suspected that the women have either been abducted for nefarious purposes or trafficked for sex-slavery/prostitution. More than a dozen women have been reported missing over a short period of time.
2004
Indian Ocean tsunami affected Indonesia, India, Bangladesh and wider Asia; women and girls faced heightened risks of displacement, loss of livelihoods and protection gaps.
2007–2009
Bangladesh Cyclone Sidr and Cyclone Aila showed gendered climate vulnerability: women faced risks in evacuation, shelter access, caregiving and livelihood recovery.
2010–2011
Pakistan floods exposed gendered humanitarian risks, including displacement, maternal health needs and protection concerns.
2011
Japan Fukushima disaster generated gendered debates around nuclear safety, caregiving, health, evacuation and women-led anti-nuclear activism.
2013
Philippines Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda had major gendered effects: women faced displacement, livelihood loss, sexual violence risk and increased care burdens.
2014–2018
Pacific women in PNG, Solomon Islands, Australia and Aotearoa NZ increasingly linked climate justice with women’s leadership, food security, land, water and disaster preparedness.
2015
Paris Agreement strengthened global climate action; women’s groups pushed for gender-responsive adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance.
APGWN WOMEN AT GGC 2017
INDIGENOUS LANDSCAPE
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Suad Amiry (Palestine)
“We live under occupation, but we refuse to let it define our humanity.”
APGWN WOMEN AT GGC 2017
2000–2018
Australia: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women continued leadership on land rights, family violence prevention, deaths in custody, language, health and cultural governance.
2004–2018
Taiwan: Indigenous women’s concerns connected land rights, cultural recognition, language, gender equality education and anti-discrimination reforms. Taiwan’s Gender Equity Education Act was enacted in 2004.
2007
UNDRIP adopted, strengthening the rights framework for Indigenous women’s land, culture, participation and self-determination.
2010–2018
Aotearoa New Zealand: Māori women continued leadership in language revitalisation, Treaty justice, whānau wellbeing, environmental guardianship and violence prevention.
2013–2014
PNG: law reform around family protection and sorcery-related violence became critical for women, especially rural and Indigenous women accused of sorcery.
2014–2018
Solomon Islands and PNG: women’s land, customary authority, peacebuilding and climate resilience became increasingly visible in gender and development programming.
National Flowers of APGF Country Members
PASQUE FLOWER *National flower of Mongolia (Symbol of resilience and seasonal renewal)
RHODODENDRON *National flower of Nepal (Symbol of beauty, diversity, and national pride)
JASMINE *National flower of Pakistan (Symbol of harmony and simplicity)
JASMINE *National flower of Philippines (Symbol of humility, devotion, and loyalty)
PLUM BLOSSOM *National flower of Taiwan (Represents strength under adversity)
Gender-based violence — laws, crises, activism
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Manal al-Sharif (regional influence)
“A woman is not a half of a society. She is the foundation of it.”
2001
Japan enacted its Spousal Violence Prevention Law.
2004
Indonesia passed a domestic violence law, marking a major women’s rights reform after democratisation.
2005–2006
India passed and implemented the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
2009–2010
Bangladesh adopted domestic violence prevention legislation.
2010–2012
Pakistan advanced legal reforms on sexual harassment, acid attacks and women’s protection, though implementation remained uneven.
2012
India Delhi gang rape case triggered mass protests and major 2013 criminal law reforms on sexual violence.
2013
PNG Family Protection Act criminalised domestic violence and created family protection orders.
2014
Lebanon adopted domestic violence legislation, though women’s groups criticised gaps in marital rape and implementation.
2014
Solomon Islands passed the Family Protection Act, strengthening legal responses to domestic violence.
2017
Jordan and Lebanon repealed legal provisions allowing rapists to avoid punishment by marrying survivors.
2000–2018
Globally, violence against women remained widespread; WHO estimates show nearly 1 in 3 women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence.
OLIVE TREE*PALESTINE
*Represents peace, resilience, and rootedness (sumud) *Central to Palestinian identity, land rights, and heritage *Olive groves are often multi-generational and sacred family assets *Referenced in religion (Bible & Qur’an) and cultural memory
CEDAR*LEBANON
*Symbol of eternity, strength, and holiness *Mentioned extensively in ancient texts (eg, Bible) *The cedar appears on the national flag of Lebanon *Historic cedar forests are considered sacred and protected landscapes
PETRA*JORDAN
*Ancient Nabataean city carved into rock, a spiritual and civilisational icon *Represents Jordan’s deep historical continuity and identity *Recognised globally as a UNESCO World Heritage site *Often seen as a symbol of endurance and human ingenuity
MESOPOTAMIA*IRAQ
*Known as the “Cradle of Civilization” *Birthplace of writing, law, and early urban societies *Deeply tied to spiritual, historical, and cultural origins of humanity *Includes sacred ancient cities like Babylon and Ur
Other Cross-Sectoral Agenda / Issues
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Rokhaya Diallo (used widely in Asian feminist spaces)
“Feminism is not a Western import, it is a universal demand for justice.”
Respected Women Politicians in the APGF Region 2000-2020
- WHAT THEY ARE NOTED FOR:
- Barrier-breaking leadership: Many were the first women in top roles (e.g. Gillard, Park, Heine)
- Crisis leadership: Women often led during conflict, disaster, or democratic transitions
- Rights-based advocacy: Strong links to human rights, gender equality, and social justice
- Climate leadership (Pacific & Asia): Leaders like Hasina and Heine elevated climate vulnerability to global agendas
- Political risk: Many faced violence, impeachment, exile, or political resistance
Respected Women Politicians of ASIA
India – Sonia Gandhi
*President of the Indian National Congress (longest-serving) *Architect behind major welfare policies (e.g. rural employment schemes) *Played a central role in coalition politics and governance (UPA era)
Pakistan – Benazir Bhutto
*First woman Prime Minister in a Muslim-majority country *Symbol of democratic resistance *Her 2007 assassination marked a major political turning point
Bangladesh – Sheikh Hasina
*Long-serving Prime Minister *Led major economic growth and development programs *Strong role in climate diplomacy for vulnerable nations
South Korea – Park Geun-hye
*First female President of South Kore *Her impeachment (2017) reshaped democratic accountability debates
Philippines – Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
*President (2001–2010) *Navigated economic reforms and political instability
Indonesia – Megawati Sukarnoputri
*First female President of Indonesia *Guided democratic transition after Suharto era
Respected Women Politicians of THE MIDDLE EAST
Iran – Masoumeh Ebtekar
*Vice President for Women and Environment *Key figure in environmental governance and women’s rights
Lebanon – Nayla Tueni
*Young reformist MP *Voice for press freedom and anti-corruption
Palestine – Hanan Ashrawi
*Senior leader in Palestinian diplomacy *Advocate for human rights and peace negotiations
Jordan – Rima Khalaf
*Former Executive Secretary of ESCWA (UN) *Resigned on principle over a controversial UN report—symbol of integrity
Respected Women Politicians of THE PACIFIC
Australia – Julia Gillard
*First female Prime Minister *Known for the landmark “misogyny speech” *Advanced education reforms and disability insurance scheme
Aotearoa New Zealand – Jacinda Ardern
*Prime Minister (2017–2023) Globally recognised for compassionate leadership (Christchurch response, COVID-19) *Advanced wellbeing budgeting and inclusive governance
Samoa – Fiame Naomi Mata'afa
*Long-time political leader; became PM in 2021 after constitutional crisis roots (pre-2020 influence strong) *Champion of democratic governance and Pacific leadership
Marshall Islands (Pacific region influence) – Hilda Heine
*Long-time political leader; became PM in 2021 after constitutional crisis roots (pre-2020 influence strong) *Champion of democratic governance and Pacific leadership
Papua New Guinea – Dame Carol Kidu
*One of PNG’s most influential women leaders *Advocate for social development, gender equality, and settlements policy
APGWN Women in our APGF Region have been protesting diligently for a very long time.
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2000–2018
Women, peace and security shaped activism in Nepal, Philippines, Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon, especially around conflict, occupation, displacement and peace processes.
2000–2018
Migration and labour: women from Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal and Pakistan increasingly entered overseas domestic, care and service work, facing remittance reliance, exploitation and protection gaps.
2000–2018
Education and girls’ rights expanded across South Asia and Southeast Asia, but child marriage, early pregnancy, trafficking and school dropout remained major barriers.
2010–2018
Digital gender issues grew in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India and the Philippines, including online harassment, digital sexual abuse and feminist online organising.
2011–2018
Middle East conflict and displacement: Palestinian, Iraqi, Lebanese and Jordan-based women faced gendered impacts of occupation, war, refugee displacement, poverty, care burdens and GBV.
2015–2018
SDGs made gender equality central through SDG 5, linking women’s rights with poverty, health, climate, decent work, peace and institutions.
Well Known Women Politicians in the APGF Regions 2000-2018
KIWI FRUIT *National FRUIT of Aotearoa New Zealand (Symbol of national identity (linked to the “Kiwi” name; Major export crop of New Zealand; Symbol of national identity (linked to the “Kiwi” name); Represents agricultural innovation and global trade)
NATIVE PEACH National FRUIT of Australia (Symbol of unity and resilience (blooms across harsh landscapes); Represents Australia’s natural identity and seasonal renewal (spring); Golden colour associated with warmth and prosperity)
COCONUT - SOLOMON ISLANDS *Known as the “tree of life” in Solomon Islands *Provides food, oil, materials, and income (copra) *Central to Pacific cultural and economic systems
BANANA *National FRUIT of Papua New Guinea (Staple; no official fruit as such; Central to daily diets across Papua New Guinea; Deeply embedded in subsistence agriculture and cultural practices; Represents food security and local livelihoods)