A Feminist Future for the Pacific

Envisioning an Inclusive and Transformative Response to the COVID–19 Pandemic

Authors

  • Emma Cliffe RMIT University, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/thl2020volno0art1018

Keywords:

COVID-19, Pacific, feminist response, women and girls

Abstract

The COVID–19 pandemic continues to devastate the lives and wellbeing of millions of people around the world; women and girls, people with disabilities, youth, older people, and sexual and gender minorities are most at risk of ‘being left behind’. While confirmed cases of COVID–19 are low in the Pacific compared with other regions, the threat of the virus remains and the wider social and economic impacts are already evident. Pacific Island countries grappling with pervasive inequality, sustainable development challenges and climate change now must consider their response to the COVID–19 pandemic.

This paper envisions an inclusive and transformative feminist response focused on four key outcomes: preserving access to healthcare and essential services; promoting women’s economic empowerment; protecting women and girls from gender–based violence; and supporting vulnerable and marginalised groups to express their voice and claim their rights amid the pandemic.

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Author Biography

  • Emma Cliffe, RMIT University, Australia

    Master of International Development, RMIT University, Melbourne. 
    COVID–19 Coordinator, United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Fiji.
    Active member of RedR Australia’s deployee roster. RedR Australia is a humanitarian organisation that provides training and skilled people to work with communities around the world to prepare, rebuild and recover before, during and after disasters and conflict.

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Published

2020-02-11

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How to Cite

“A Feminist Future for the Pacific : Envisioning an Inclusive and Transformative Response to the COVID–19 Pandemic” (2020) The Humanitarian Leader, p. Working Paper 009, Aug 2020. doi:10.21153/thl2020volno0art1018.