This report presents the performance of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development (Pacific Women) program in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Bougainville) during 2016–2017. It is the first such report for Bougainville and covers activities undertaken 1 July–31 December 2016 as well as those planned for the first six months of 2017 that focus solely or primarily on Bougainville.
The Australian Government established Pacific Women in 2012. It commits up to $320 million1 over 10 years in 14 Pacific Island Forum member countries. The program aims to improve opportunities for the political, economic, and social advancement of Pacific women. In 2015, the Bougainville Gender Investment Plan (2014–2019) was agreed between the Governments of Bougainville, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Under the plan, Australia committed $14 million over five years, with $4 million provided through Pacific Women.
