Pacific Island links: International Women's Day, economic empowerment of women, Peter O'Neill in Canberra, Port Vila's airport and more

International Women's Day was celebrated throughout the Pacific yesterday. In Papua New Guinea, The Voice Inc. called for more action on gender based violence, while Fiji and Vanuatu celebrated the role of women in disaster reconstruction.
The Asian Development Bank released a report on the work being undertaken by the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative to economically empower women.
Chloe Hickey-Jones writes for the Aus-PNG Network on the issue of gender based violence in Papua New Guinea and the work being done to counter it.
Papua New Guinean Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, addressed the National Press Club in Canberra last week. Analysing the speech, Jenny Hayward-Jones called for more candour on economic and social issues.
Jonathan Pryke and Devpolicy's Matthew Dornan said that delayed repairs to Port Vila's international airport will severe and significant impact on Vanuatu's tourism sector, which contributes as much as 50% of the country's GDP.
The Fijian Government made three key law, justice and military appointments on Friday, attracting criticism on the process and timing of the appointments from the SODELPA opposition party.
The first female Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa has been appointed following Friday's general election. The election was Samoa's first with legislatively guaranteed representation of women in parliament.
The ABC Fiji Appeal raised nearly $1.5 million for the cyclone relief effort in Fiji. These comparative satellite photos reveal the extent of the damage on Koro Island.
Three Fijian-Australian ADF servicemen are in Fiji on HMAS Canberra as part of the relief effort. Foreign Minister Bishop outlines Australia's contribution here.
This interview with the Pacific Islands Forum Trade Commissioner David Morris discusses the 'maritime silk road' and China's growing role in the Pacific.