Pacific Panel: Advancing women in business and leadership

2024 FDC – Lowy Institute public discussion

Canberra event: Old Parliament House 

The Lowy Institute is delighted to invite you to the FDC–Lowy Institute Pacific Panel with leading experts and practitioners on advancing gender equality in the Pacific Islands. Join us to hear from those making a positive difference in the region. 

Opening remarks will be delivered by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Senator the Hon Penny Wong and Dr Michael Fullilove, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute. 

The panel will be moderated by Dr Jessica Collins, Research Fellow on the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute, with special guest speakers from around the region including:

• Stephanie Copus Campbell AM Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality.

• Lailanie Burnes Westpac Women in Business Executive “Manager of the Year” awardee; host of Fiji’s first dedicated women’s sports television program Soaring Marama; World Rugby Women in Rugby Leadership Scholar; Fijian Drua and Super Rugby commentator; and former captain, Fijian Women’s Rugby team.

• Dr Fiona Hukula Regional Gender Specialist, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat; former Senior Research Fellow and Building Safer Communities Program Leader, PNG National Research Institute; and former member, Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee and Sorcery Accusation and Related Violence Action Committee. 

• Loau Donina Va’a CEO, Samoan Ministry for Women, Community and Social Development; Chair, Pacific Women’s Professional and Business Network; former Board member, NSW Council for Pacific Communities; and founder of the first Pacific Women’s Network in Australia.

Panellists will discuss progress towards Pacific women’s advancement drawing on their experience in business, leadership, sport and economic empowerment, sharing inspirational stories of success and thoughts on where further gains can be made.

This Pacific Panel is supported by the Foundation for Development Cooperation, which established the FDC Pacific Fellowship in conjunction with the Lowy Institute.

Refreshments and hot canapés will be provided.