Noelene Nabulivou, a prominent women’s rights advocate from Fiji, has issued a dire warning about the increasing challenges faced by women and girls in accessing justice across the Asia-Pacific region. Speaking at the Regional Consultation for the Commission on the Status of Women 70 (CSW70) in Bangkok, Ms. Nabulivou addressed delegates on behalf of various civil society organizations, including those led by women and feminist movements.
During her remarks, she emphasized the significant barriers women and girls encounter due to various global crises, including rising inequality, armed conflicts, democratic backsliding, climate change, and disparities in digital access. Ms. Nabulivou highlighted a concerning trend of what she characterized as a “rapid rollback” of women’s and girls’ rights, driven by authoritarian governance, anti-gender movements, and geopolitical influences.
She pointed out that such conditions not only undermine sexual and reproductive health rights but also lead to increased gender-based violence and impose restrictions on the vital operations of civil society. The advocate cited alarming strategies employed by some governments aimed at promoting restrictive gender norms and policies that hinder women’s rights.
Moreover, Ms. Nabulivou raised alarms about reduced participation of civil society organizations in international initiatives, including the UN reforms and the CSW Revitalisation Agenda, as financial and safety concerns prevent many critical voices from attending pivotal meetings like CSW70.
She advocated for more governmental support for women advocates’ access to justice and meaningful representation in UN processes. As the challenges faced by women are compounded by issues such as lack of basic needs and discriminatory legal systems, Ms. Nabulivou called for concerted efforts to declare an International Decade to Advance Access to Justice for Women and Girls, spanning from 2027 to 2036.
Her closing remarks underscored the importance of justice not just being about court access but also about dismantling the power structures that uphold inequality. She urged governments to strive for justice systems that are safe, timely, and inclusive to ensure meaningful outcomes at the 70th UN Commission on the Status of Women. With her resilient advocacy, there is hope that these crucial discussions will lead to positive changes for women and girls across the region.
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