Navigating Change

The environmental challenges have affected the coastal community and oceanic ecosystems in the Global South Oceanic region substantially. According to the Pacific Community, 80% of Oceania&s;s population depends on coastal resources for their livelihoods. As environmental issues exacerbate, women are advocating for gender-inclusive approaches to enhance climate-change resilience and the sustainability of marine resources within the community. Similarly, in the maritime sector, the growth of women as seafarers is proportionate to their increased participation in maritime leadership roles compared to ‘softer’ roles, such as stewardesses. The policies needed to encourage more participation are, hence, possible through stronger representation of women in the governance of a country. The informal economy is also a crucial sector where women are involved in small-scale businesses and market jobs. The chapter highlights women&s;s role and their potential in facing environmental challenges, the maritime sector, and the interdependence of governance and the informal economy in strengthening the region of Global South Oceania. Through delving into the intersectionality of gender, indigeneity, and maritime governance, this chapter aims to (a) explain the present role of women in Global South Oceania; (b) discuss how they are contributing to the maritime governance and climate change; and (c) shaping the women&s;s role in the future of Global South Oceania and contributing to policy making. This chapter argues that strengthening women&s;s threshold at the ground level is critical for ensuring gender-responsive policies and steady overall development in the Oceanic region.