Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are dedicated to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have acted on addressing SDG 5 on Gender Equality, and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. All PICs are also party to the United Nations Convention against Corruption and have made progress on implementing these commitments.

With recognition of the ongoing efforts, pervasive gender inequality remains a barrier to progress, justice, and social stability across PICs. Additionally, addressing corruption, which is part of SDG 16, continues to be a challenge. These challenges were further exacerbated under the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Breaking the Silence on Gender and Corruption in the Pacific’ explains the gender inequality and corruption nexus and discusses the impact of the pandemic. It provides recommendations to suggest that addressing corruption and combatting gender inequality requires a holistic, multi-disciplinary and coordinated approach.