Delegates submissions, some reportage, and photos from the PIF SPC Women In Politics conference, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 2006.

This is a quick guide to campaigning for Pacific women. It features case studies of Pacific women who have stood for national elections in their respective countries. In these case studies, they share practical tips for campaigning, their struggles and triumphs. START spells out 5 quick steps one can consider when deciding to stand for elections.

Citing examples from the New Zealand House of Representatives, this paper tests the claim that women can influence political decisions only once they achieve a critical mass within legislative bodies. The conclusion is that the possible impact of women in parliaments cannot be determined by numbers alone.