In a landmark moment for gender equality in Pacific judiciaries, the Pacific Association of Women Judicial Officers (PAWJO) officially launches. PAWJO is a regional body dedicated to strengthening gender-responsive courts and empowering women working within Pacific judiciaries.
PAWJO is inviting membership applications and nominations for office-bearer positions ahead of its inaugural Annual General Meeting on 11 February 2026, where the Association will elect its first Executive Committee.
More than 1,175 women judicial officers serve communities across the Pacific, and PAWJO will provide a platform to connect them, strengthen regional collaboration, and amplify their voices on regional and international stages.
In September 2024, 44 women judicial officers from across the Pacific gathered in Papua New Guinea for an historic meeting, unanimously voting to establish PAWJO. A Steering Committee was elected to draft objectives through extensive consultations with over 240 women judicial officers across 15 jurisdictions.
“We take pride in this achievement, which signifies a new chapter for women judicial officers across the Pacific. I urge all my sister judicial officers in the region to join the Association. We must stand together, proud of our identity and use this platform to support and care for each other in our vital roles as guardians of the law.” - Chief Justice Tetiro Semilota, Kiribati
PAWJO membership is open to all women judges, magistrates, and lay judicial officers currently serving in Pacific jurisdictions, including those in community-based courts who play a crucial role in delivering grassroots justice.
"Kamolol kin juon kotobar eo enaj aintok im kebaaktok kora ro rej jurake jerbal in ekajet ilo lal jidrik kein ilo Pacific in. Juon droulul eo enaj drebij aurok in non jerbal ilo tiljek, mool im ilo ejelok kalijoklak non armij ro ad. Jej kora in joon jabuk eo non ad drebij wot manit eo, drebij jela eo, im drebij aenoman eo bwe lal ko ilo Pacific in ren wonmanlok im edroklak ilo kajur im inemon.
We are grateful that PAWJO creates the opportunity for us, as women judicial officers in the Pacific, to come together and support one another. Its establishment is an important step toward promoting diligence, integrity, and meaningful access to justice for the communities we serve. As women, we carry the responsibility to uphold our customs, safeguard traditional knowledge, and strengthen unity and peace across our island nations.” - Hon. Grace Leban, Chief Judge, Traditional Rights Court, Marshall Islands
The Association is supported by New Zealand's Pacific Justice Sector Programme (PJSP).
Join PAWJO today: Complete your membership form online or download it here. Membership fees are minimal and may be covered by your court.
Nomination forms for Executive Committee positions are also available. Nominations for these close 28 January 2026.
"Launching PAWJO is an exciting step forward for the equality of women in the judiciary and a commitment to justice across the Pacific." - Hon. Justice Anne Bodley, High Court of the Marshall Islands
All enquiries: PAWJO@justice.govt.nz