The forum will explore important themes, including women’s rights, education, leadership, equality before the law, women’s participation in decision-making, and the role of women as agents of change in society. Through panel discussions, conferences, experience-sharing sessions, and open dialogue, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and identify pathways toward a more inclusive future.
Highlights of the programme include discussions on women’s access to leadership positions in Vanuatu, the integration of feminist perspectives within Pacific societies, women-led economic initiatives, and international cooperation projects supporting gender equality in the region. Speakers and representatives from government institutions, civil society organisations, universities, regional agencies, and community groups will contribute to the discussions.
NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration around inclusion and leadership. He said, “This forum provides an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in Vanuatu and the Pacific while encouraging meaningful conversations about equality, education, and leadership for future generations.”
The Forum of Influential Women will be held at the NUV Auditorium in Port Vila and is open to students, academics, professionals, civil society representatives, and members of the wider public interested in advancing inclusive development and empowering women across the region. NUV encourages everyone to attend and participate in this important regional conversation on 12 and 13 May 2026. The detailed program can be found on NUV’s website: https://bit.ly/4cXwWoJ.
The forum is supported by the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), OFDIG, and the Government of Canada.
