Pacific islands’ cultural diversity shapes gender roles and financial access, influencing women’s economic participation. In Melanesia, patriarchal structures dominate, limiting women’s access to land and finance. Polynesia, with its mix of matrilineal and patriarchal systems, sees women actively engaged in small enterprises, yet struggling for financial support. Micronesian women, often in remote areas, face financial exclusion due to limited services and economic opportunities. 

In response to these challenges, central banks in the Pacific are stepping up to create a more inclusive financial landscape. They are pushing for gender-responsive financial policies, improving financial literacy, expanding digital banking to reach remote communities, and supporting women-led businesses through better access to credit and leadership roles.  

A notable example is the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), which has implemented financial literacy programs specifically targeting women and rural communities, ensuring that they have the knowledge and tools to access banking and credit services. Additionally, CBSI has partnered with microfinance institutions to create tailored financial products that address the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. 

AFI’s Pacific Islands Regional Initiative (PIRI) plays a key role in advancing financial inclusion by fostering cooperation among Pacific central banks. PIRI focuses on gender-inclusive policies, digital financial services, and financial literacy programs which ensure that financial systems work for everyone, especially women. 

AFI frameworks such as the Denarau Action Plan and Gender Inclusive Finance (GIF) Policy Model provide structured approaches to promoting gender-responsive financial systems. The Denarau Action Plan focuses on closing the gender gap in financial inclusion by encouraging member institutions to adopt practical gender-focused strategies. The GIF Policy Model provides a comprehensive framework to integrate gender considerations into national financial policies, ensuring sustainable and equitable financial access for all. 

Women’s financial empowerment isn’t just about equality — it’s about economic resilience. By fostering inclusive financial systems, central banks, with the support of PIRI, and guided by initiatives like the Denarau Action Plan and the GIF Policy Model, can drive long-term growth, ensuring that Pacific women are not just participants, but leaders in their economies.