The Cook Islands, Niue and Palau are the only Pacific Island countries on track to achieve broad international goals around the empowerment of women.
Decision-makers from around the region are in the Cook Islands this week and progress on achieving Millenium Development Goals is among items for discussion.
Sally Round reports from Rarotonga.
"Every three years senior decision-makers gather to review and develop strategies to improve the lot of women in the region. This year's Millenium Development Goals progress report shows the region still has the lowest rate of women's representation in parliament in the world, and high violence rates continue to hinder progress. But celebrating progress is also on the agenda of the 12th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women hosted by the Cook Islands. Almost 200 participants will also discuss women's access to health and education and look at initiatives to support women's economic empowerment."
