Efforts to achieve gender equality in Fiji are being challenged by various factors, including overly polished reports, ineffective leadership, insufficient technical skills, and a lack of accountability. This concern was voiced by Lynda Tabuya, Fiji’s Minister for Women, during her address at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference reviewing the Beijing Platform for Action in Bangkok, Thailand.
In her speech, Tabuya criticized initiatives that do not adequately capture the realities and needs of local communities while emphasizing Fiji’s commitment to the principles established in the Beijing declaration. Despite the challenges faced by the country, she highlighted significant improvements, such as the fact that female students now make up 57 percent of graduates from tertiary institutions. Furthermore, Fiji has enacted gender-sensitive legislation, improved maternal health services, and recognized the urgent need to combat gender-based violence.
Tabuya commended the efforts of women’s rights organizations in Fiji, acknowledging their relentless advocacy for justice, equity, and accountability. She stated, “While these accomplishments mark progress, the challenge lies in translating these into meaningful change for all women and girls.”
She asserted the necessity for education to not only unlock potential but also ensure real equality by promoting women’s full participation in the economy, equal access to resources, and a strong representation in leadership roles. However, she acknowledged persistent barriers rooted in patriarchy and entrenched discriminatory norms that limit opportunities for Fijian women and girls.
The Minister pointed out that the burden of unpaid care and domestic work heavily affects women, restricting many to informal, low-paying jobs that lack security or recognition. Gender-based violence remains a critical issue, compounded by limited access to essential sexual and reproductive health services.
To tackle these interconnected challenges, Fiji is focusing on economic empowerment, protection of bodily autonomy, and enhanced participation of women in various sectors. Tabuya mentioned the Fiji Country Gender Assessment and the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against All Women and Girls as part of the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
Emphasizing the importance of real financial backing for gender equality initiatives, Tabuya stated, “Gender-responsive planning and budgeting ensures that our commitments to gender equality are backed by real financial investment through the national budget.”
Moving forward, Fiji is set to launch a five-year accountability initiative aimed at tracking the implementation of government policies and budgets through a gender-responsive lens. Tabuya stressed that to fulfill the promises made in Beijing in 1995, Fiji must critically assess its partnerships and approaches to align more closely with the goal of achieving gender equality.
This commitment to addressing gender inequality can bring about significant transformations for women and girls in Fiji, promoting a future where equality truly exists.
In summary, the article outlines the barriers faced in achieving gender equality in Fiji, the progress made, and the government’s commitment to fostering real change through targeted initiatives and accountability measures. The hopeful aspect is the country’s active engagement and the clear recognition of necessary steps towards a more equal future for all women and girls.
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