A report highlighting challenges facing Pacific women in business has prompted the establishment of women's business associations in several countries.
The report, Economic Opportunies for Women in the Pacific, found Pacific women often run businesses informally because they lack information about formal business operations and regulations.
It also found women weren't able contribute to debate about government policies that affect business.
Sonali Hedditch from the International Finance Corporation, which produced the report with AusAID, says those findings have prompted business women in Vanuatu and Tonga to establish their own associations
"What is really significant about that is that is that it is going to overcome some of the problems because these associations will be able to access that information. It will give a mechanism for these women to have a voice. They will be able to share lessons with each other."
Sonali Hedditch says Solomon Islands women have also revived their association.
