Formation of PAWJO was sparked in 2017 when Te Kura Kaiwhakawā supported Pacific women judicial officers to attend the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) Conference in Argentina, where the idea of a Pacific-focused network was first discussed. Recognising the need for an inclusive body that reflects the region’s diverse legal systems—including lay and customary courts—momentum grew over the years. This culminated in the 2024 ‘Empowering Women in Justice’ regional workshop held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, co-hosted by the PJSP and the PNG Center for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE), where participants unanimously agreed to establish PAWJO. A steering group of women judicial officers was elected to guide development of the Association with PJSP providing ongoing secretariat support. In June 2025, after consultation with over 240 women judicial officers within the region, the PAWJO steering group finalised its founding documents and incorporation process. The inaugural PAWJO AGM and election of office bearers is scheduled for 11 February 2026. 

• Promote gender competent and gender responsive Pacific Courts.
• Empower and promote Pacific women judicial officers to attain their full potential and provide them with evidence-based opportunities for professional development, mentoring and collaboration.
• Promote women judicial officers’ wellbeing and support members’ needs, including during times of crisis, disaster or other public emergencies.
• Promote access to justice for all in Pacific countries, including through in-person and technology-assisted community engagement, focusing on women, remote communities and vulnerable social group.
• Provide a platform for raising national, Pacific and international issues regarding the roles of Pacific judiciaries to support the rule of law, access to justice for all and respect for Pacific cultural diversity at a regional level and to build partnerships with similar organisations to exchange ideas, best practices, and solutions for shared challenges

• Membership is open to women judges, magistrates or lay judicial officers currently serving in one or more Pacific jurisdictions.
• To become a member, an annual registration fee is required. This may be paid individually or by your court, which can opt to pay a flat annual fee based on its size—categorised as ‘small’, ‘medium’, or ‘large’ depending on the number of women judicial officers. A court-paid fee covers all eligible women judicial officers from that court who wish to join.
• Once you submit your membership application, you will be contacted to confirm whether your court has covered your fee or if you need to pay individually.
• The Komiti/Executive will then review your application to confirm eligibility—that you are an appointed judicial officer and that the membership fee has been paid. The PAWJO Secretariat (Pacific Justice Sector Programme) will notify you of your confirmed membership status.

Download a membership form or do it online 

Read and download the complete PAWJO Rules

2 December 2025

Membership and nominations open as the Pacific Association of Women Judicial Officers launches

In a landmark moment for gender equality in Pacific judiciaries, the Pacific Association of Women Judicial Officers (PAWJO) has been officially launched.  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.

The Association is supported by New Zealand's Pacific Justice Sector Programme (PJSP).

Join PAWJO today: Complete your membership form online or download it at www.pjsp.govt.nz/PAWJO. 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.

All enquiries: PAWJO@justice.govt.nz

October 2025:
 Formal network for Women in Pacific Justice agreed at workshop | PJSP

Membership, questions and general administration: 
Email the secretariat:  pawjo@justice.govt.nz