Gender and investment climate reform assessment in the Pacific region: A six‐country research study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to offer an account of gender and investment climate reform in the Pacific region. Design/methodology/approach: This six‐country research studies face‐to‐face interviews with a variety of stakeholders including: private sector representative bodies; private sector operators; banks and micro‐credit institutions; lawyers; civil society; government departments and bodies; and donors in Papua New Guinea, Timor‐Leste, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa. Findings: The findings recognised the solutions identified to address gender‐based investment climate barriers which constrain women's economic empowerment in six Pacific nations. Practical implications: This research offers valuable practical insights for policy makers, the judiciaries, the private sectors, women's business organizations, and financial institutions. Originality/value: The paper offers an unprecedented level of new information about gender and investment climate reform in the Pacific region.