Fiji, March 11 -- Pacific Islands Forum members have called for stronger action to advance gender equality and protect women and girls during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York.

Delivering a statement on behalf of Pacific members at the 70th session of the global meeting, Cathy Nori Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs from Solomon Island said the region remains committed to advancing gender equality and social inclusion.

Nori said the theme of CSW70 is central to the Pacific's development priorities.

"The CSW70 theme is integral to realizing gender equality and social inclusion, a commitment our Forum Leaders continue to reaffirm as central to the region's collective progress in pursuing a resili...