Launching We-Care-Guideline (2026)

1. Background In March 2026, Tuvalu will mark Women’s Month under the national theme “Access to Justice.” As part of this commemoration, the Gender Affairs Department (GAD) will officially launch the We Care Guidelines, recently endorsed by Cabinet as an official Government of Tuvalu document.

The We Care Guidelines strengthen coordinated, survivor-centred response to gender-based violence (GBV) in Tuvalu. They clarify roles and responsibilities of first responders, reinforce coordination mechanisms, and promote dignity, safety, and respect in service provision.

The Guidelines are the result of a journey of institutional learning, regional solidarity, and coordinated development support. They build on regional exchanges, participation in Pacific GBV working groups, counselling training initiatives, and collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners.

Their launch during Women’s Month symbolically and practically links access to justice with access to care.

2. Purpose of the Launch The launch aims to:

• Officially present the We Care Guidelines as a Government of Tuvalu framework. • Highlight the link between access to justice and coordinated survivor-centred response.

• Recognise contributions of national, regional, and development partners.

• Reinforce institutional commitment to implementation.

• Strengthen visibility of the GBV Task Force as a coordination mechanism.

3. Key Messages

• Access to justice begins the moment a survivor seeks help.

• Justice requires coordinated, respectful, and survivor-centred response.

• The We Care Guidelines clarify institutional responsibilities.

• The Government of Tuvalu is committed to strengthening protection systems.

• Partnerships and regional learning have strengthened national capacity.