The Pacific Geospatial Women Network (PGWN) is newly endorsed under the Oceans Management and Literacy Programme at the Pacific Community (SPC). This network reports to the Pacific Geospatial and Surveying Council (PGSC) and was established to promote women capacity in the field of Geospatial Science and Earth Observation (EO) in the Pacific. With the overarching goal of raising awareness, celebrating achievements, and most importantly, creating a support group for women in this field.

In 2024, the Pacific Geospatial Women Network (PGWN) successfully piloted its initiative with two local women’s groups in Fiji: the Gusunituba Women’s Group of Votua Village in Ba Province and the Daku Women’s Group in Daku Village, Tailevu Province. Both groups are actively engaged in mangrove rehabilitation and agricultural initiatives, supported under the Jobs for Nature funding program administered by Fiji’s Ministry of Economy. This pilot phase aimed to integrate geospatial capacity building into existing community-led environmental efforts. This work recognises that women and marginalised groups often face systemic barriers in accessing technology, technical training, and decision-making spaces. The initiative helps bridge the digital divide and promotes inclusive, equitable participation in climate resilience efforts. by intentionally engaging women at different levels — including those from rural areas and with diverse abilities.

Geospatial tools have become vital in addressing sustainable development challenges across the Pacific, and through its regional mandate, PGWN is working to ensure that women are not left behind in this digital and data-driven age. This includes access to hands-on learning, digital literacy, and the practical use of Earth Observation (EO) and mapping tools for decision-making, community planning, and environmental resilience. By equipping local women groups with these skills, PGWN is contributing to inclusive development efforts, ensuring that women are active participants in shaping their future and that of their communities.

To support these roles, PGWN is planning a tailored training and awareness programme for Kiribati Women in Mapping (KWIM) that promotes the integration of traditional knowledge with geospatial technology. This will not only empower local women but also support national and regional resilience efforts through inclusive data practices and adaptive community-led planning.

At the heart of this initiative lies the application of Geospatial Science and Earth Observation (EO). These tools allow for the collection, analysis, and visualization of spatial data, which is essential for mapping natural resources, land-use planning, and resource management. While the science is already well established in global contexts, the application in rural and local communities of the Pacific is still evolving.
Geospatial technologies are being explored for community-led decision-making, particularly in the management of natural resources, waste disposal, and sustainable development. These tools enable local women to gather critical environmental data, empowering them to take an active role in their community's planning and development.
While these technologies are powerful, their full potential is still being explored in Pacific contexts, especially for rural women who often have limited access to technical resources. PGWN aims to bridge this gap by providing capacity-building sessions and awareness campaigns to introduce geospatial tools to these communities.
The PGWN envisions further collaboration with universities, non-profits, and regional organizations to give additional opportunities to young women entering the geospatial field. One key initiative is creating internship opportunities for female graduates in geospatial science, offering them practical experience and industry exposure. By acting as a catalyst for women’s success in geospatial science, PGWN aims to inspire more women to take leadership roles within STEM fields across the Pacific. Through capacity-building efforts, mentorship, and collaborative projects, the network continues to grow, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for women in the Pacific