National policy on gender equality and women's empowerment and Action Plan 2019 - 2024.

The National policy on gender equality and women's empowerment and Action Plan is aligned to the National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2020. This Gender policy reaffirms the commitment of the Government of the Cook Islands to provide support and targeted interventions that advance, empower, and protect the rights of all women and girls living in the Cook Islands. The timeframe of this policy is 5 years covering the period from 2019 to 2024. The objectives of this policy are: (i) gender mainstreaming into Government programs, policies, and budget; (ii) equitable participation of women and men in politics, local government, and high-level decision-making bodies in government; (iii) engagement and participation of women in economic development; (iv) improved capacity of women to address health issues; and (v) elimination of violence against women.
This policy aims to advance gender equality and improve women's wellbeing in the Cook Islands. It guides gender-sensitive legislation and policies, addressing women's and girls' priorities while recognizing that gender includes men and boys. Their roles and access to resources are vital for achieving national and local development goals. The Government of the Cook Islands will establish and strengthen mechanisms that eliminate gender inequalities and empower women of all diversities in all sectors and at all levels. Gender perspectives and gender issues will be systematically mainstreamed into all national policies, planning processes, and programmes. The human rights of all women living in the Cook Islands will be protected. The Cook Islands Human Rights Commission will be strengthened. The constitutional and legislative framework will be reviewed to ensure consistency with CEDAW and other relevant conventions. Gender indicators will be regularly monitored, analyzed, reported, and used for planning and developing effective programmes and services. Public and community education opportunities will be strengthened to improve gender awareness at all levels.
The full participation of women in politics and decision making in local and central governance will be supported and encouraged. Support and resources will be increased to recruit, retain and develop women leaders in politics and leadership positions in government. Women’s capacity will be developed to actively engage and contribute to policy and decision making at the local and national level. Gender equality will be promoted in access to productive resources and earnings capacity, and barriers to women in business will be reduced. A National Employment Dispute Resolution Mechanism will be established to address, or investigate employee grievances, such as pay disputes. Regulations, policies, and other relevant protection measures will be established to eliminate discrimination in the workplace, and protect the rights of all workers, including migrant workers, in the Cook Islands. Women’s economic empowerment will be supported and their access to markets, particularly targeting women living in the Pa Enua, will be improved. Women’s role, knowledge and skills will be improved in agriculture and fisheries and traditional livelihood. The access to relevant, quality, affordable healthcare targeting women, girls and other vulnerable people on Rarotonga, and in the Pa Enua, will be improved.