Commonwealth Leaders Urged to Tackle Gender Inequality

• Women’s Forum Report highlights barriers to empowering women and girls across 56 member countries.

• Current trajectories suggest it could take up to 137 years to eradicate poverty among women.

By Lise Schmidt/

Apia, Samoa – 22 October 2024 – A compelling report from the Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Apia, Samoa, calls for urgent action to dismantle barriers that continue to hinder the empowerment of women and girls across the Commonwealth 56 member countries.

With testimonies from over 400 delegates including prime ministers, ministers, and women’s rights advocates, the document underscores the urgent need for systemic change to empower women and girls in member countries.

The 2 day forum highlighted the findings of a United Nations study indicating that gender equality is attainable but progressing at a disheartening pace. Current trajectories suggest it could take up to 137 years to eradicate poverty among women and that gender parity in legislative bodies may not be achieved until 2063.

A central theme throughout the report is the urgent need for comprehensive policies that not only combat gender-based violence but also ensure that women are represented in leadership roles and have access to economic opportunities.

The Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland  speaking at the opening of the Women’s Forum in Apia, Samoa, 21 October 2024.

Participants emphasized the importance of investing in women-led climate solutions and tailoring strategies to address the intertwined forms of discrimination faced by women, particularly those with disabilities or from marginalized backgrounds.

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo expressed the critical need for immediate action. “None of the Sustainable Development Goal 5 targets for gender equality and women’s empowerment are on track. This must change now. There can be no more delays,” he stated, urging member states to commit firmly to eradicating gender inequality by 2030.

Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, advocated for sweeping reforms not only in legislation but also within societal mindsets.

“We must collectively wage a war against gender-based violence,” she stressed.

Delegates of the Women Forum

Delegates also highlighted the integral role of men and boys in the fight for gender equality.

Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Penitala Teo called for their active participation, stating, “Men must be part of the conversation, not just as advocates but as active participants in dismantling the barriers faced by women.”

Joleen Mataele, Vice-Chair of the Commonwealth Equality Network, pointed out the necessity of education in addressing exclusion, particularly in the wake of climate disasters that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. “Education is key to raising awareness of the needs of marginalized people and ensuring those needs are recognized and protected,” she noted.

The Commonwealth Women’s Forum not only served as a platform for these critical discussions but also reinforced the collective commitment of member states to work towards a future where all women and girls can live with dignity, safety, and equality.