“The new Leadership Matters report indicates that while women’s representation in business leadership in Vanuatu has increased in some areas since 2021, it has declined in others,” said Sarah Boxall, PSDI Economic Empowerment of Women Expert and author of the report.

“This suggests that further efforts are needed to foster more inclusive and diverse corporate cultures in Vanuatu.”

The report reveals that the average proportion of women directors in the Pacific has risen from 21% in 2021 to 26% in 2024, surpassing the 2023 global average of 23%.

The average proportion of women CEOs in the Pacific has also increased from 13% to 20%, significantly above the global average of 6%. In Vanuatu, however, the proportion of women directors increased modestly from 18% to 20%, and the proportion of CEOs rose from 15% to 18%. Conversely, the percentage of women in board chair positions dropped from 8% to 0%, and women deputy chairs fell from 25% to 18%.

Countries such as the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, and Tuvalu are noted for having higher proportions of women directors and CEOs compared to most of their regional counterparts. Fiji and Papua New Guinea are the only countries in the region that do not meet or exceed the regional average on any measure.

Ms. Boxall commented, “Global and local influences, as well as entrenched gender roles, particularly around caring responsibilities, continue to shape Pacific women’s aspirations and leadership opportunities. While any improvements are worth celebrating, many gains since 2021 have been modest and uneven across countries, sectors, and organization types.”

The report highlights that in Vanuatu, no board chair roles are held by women, and over one-third (35%) of boards have no women directors. Across the Pacific, men continue to hold approximately three out of every four board director positions, nine out of every ten board chair positions, and four out of every five CEO positions. Nearly a quarter (24%) of all Pacific boards still have no women directors.

Data for the report was gathered from 397 organizations across ADB’s 14 Pacific developing member countries (DMCs) and insights from more than 350 Pacific business leaders through surveys and interviews.

PSDI, a technical assistance program of ADB in collaboration with the governments of Australia and New Zealand, aims to enhance the enabling environment for business and promote inclusive, private sector-led economic growth, including reforms to bolster the economic empowerment of women.