ReSTORYing Gender! A Bold Call for Collective Action
The second Think Tank on #reSTORYingGender is happening today at the Islander Missionaries Memorial Church of the Pasifika Communities University (PCU). PCU is steering the Vaka, shifting the gender paradigm through a multidimensional #WholeOfLife approach.
Bringing together leading Pasifika academics, theologians, and practitioners across the Pasifika region, this #reSTORYingGender Talanoa weaves lived experiences, deep insights, and transformative dialogue to challenge colonial gender narratives and embrace culturally embedded, faith-based perspectives on gender justice.
The first Think Tank session was held in November 2024. PCU Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor), Rev. Professor Upolu Vaai, emphasized the ‘Collective Voice’ calling for a new gender narrative beyond superficial discussions. He highlighted Pasifika unity, with organisations, churches, and NGOs working together for profound, multidimensional transformation. This year’s Think Tank will be held over two days. Both Think Tank discussions are part of the PCU’s reStorying Gender for a Transformative Leadership for Justice – A Niu Paradigm project supported by the Australian Government through the Pacific Women Lead programme of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the World Bank.
Building on last year’s convening, we reaffirm the importance of decolonial thinking, intersectionality, and collaborative approaches to gender equity. Through storytelling and reflection, we progress toward a Niu Pasifika Gender Paradigm that integrates faith, culture, and gender for justice.
Reclaiming, Rethinking, and reSTORYing gender together!
