A new coalition of female leaders in the Pacific is kicking off its first conference in the Marshall Islands today.
Hilda Heine Photo: AFP or licensors
The Pacific Women Leaders' Coalition Conference is being held in Majuro over the next two days to promote women in leadership.
It's being attended by Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, her Taiwan counterpart Tsai Ing-wen, Pacific Island Forum Secretary General Meg Taylor and other leaders from across the region.
The first meeting of the coalition intends to establish an interim leadership and establish its purpose and future direction.
The conference will be live broadcasted and will include a Q&A session.
"This Pacific Women Leaders Coalition Conference comes at an important time. We need to break more barriers in the workforce, in homes, in schools, in health to get women and girls to achieve their fullest potential," said Ms Heine in a statement.
The Marshall Islands and Taiwan will also this week establish a new $US1 million fund to help Marshallese women start their own businesses.
The Kōrā Em An Kōl fund will provide capital for Marshallese women wanting to establish micro start-ups.