The Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA), with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), officially launched Cohort 2 of the PITAA Women in Tax Network (PWiTN) at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. The three-day Orientation and Leadership Bootcamp, held from 11–13th November 2025, brings together women tax professionals from across PITAA’s 16-member administrations.
A total of 15 mentors and 15 mentees are participating in this second cohort through a hybrid format, with participants joining both in person and virtually from across the Pacific.
The Women in Tax Mentorship Program was first initiated in 2024 under the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO), inspired by the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Women in Tax Network, as part of a global effort to advance gender equality and leadership in tax administration. The pilot program, jointly developed by PITAA and NTO, laid the foundation for a regional platform that continues to grow through strong partnerships and support from DFAT Australia.
Building on the success of the pilot mentorship program (2024–2025), this new cohort aims to strengthen mentorship, leadership, and professional networking among women in Pacific tax administrations. The initiative empowers women, promotes collaboration, and advances gender equality and inclusive leadership within the region’s tax systems.
Delivering the opening remarks, PITAA Head of Secretariat, Mr. Petero Maivucevuce, emphasized the importance of continued mentorship and gender inclusion.
“The very existence of this network acknowledges a simple but profound truth: gender equality is not a standalone issue in tax; it is central to its effectiveness, fairness, and future,” he said.
“By fostering a strong cohort of women leaders, we are not just empowering individuals; we are strengthening our entire region’s tax systems.”
Mr. Maivucevuce reaffirmed PITAA’s long-term commitment to gender equity, noting that the Women in Tax Network “is not a side project, but a strategic priority for our association and the future of tax administration in the Pacific.”
Representing DFAT Australia, Ms. Claire Birks, Senior Policy Officer in the Pacific Economic Branch, highlighted Australia’s dedication to supporting women’s leadership.
“Gender equality is not a special interest issue; it’s about accelerating progress for everyone,” Ms. Birks said, quoting Senator Penny Wong. “By empowering women in tax leadership roles, this initiative ensures that women’s voices shape fiscal policy and governance across the Pacific.”
She added, “Empowering women in tax strengthens institutions, improves service delivery, and builds trust with taxpayers. It also sends a powerful message: that women belong in every space where decisions are made.”
Throughout the bootcamp, participants engage in sessions on leadership and empowerment, digital readiness, mentor–mentee collaboration, and gender and tax policy. The program also includes the election of the PWiTN Steering Group and adoption of the Governance Manual and the Network’s one-year workplan.
The Orientation and Leadership Bootcamp concludes on 13th November 2025, marking a significant step in PITAA’s ongoing commitment to professional excellence, mentorship, and gender equality across the Pacific.