During the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya, emphasized the ongoing challenges to achieving gender equality. She criticized the reliance on “glossy reports,” ineffective leadership, and a lack of accountability that often undermines efforts.
In her address, Tabuya expressed concern that initiatives frequently fail to meet the actual needs of local communities while reaffirming Fiji’s dedication to the principles laid out in the Beijing Platform for Action. Despite the obstacles faced, she highlighted significant progress in Fiji, noting that female students now make up 57 percent of graduates from tertiary institutions. Furthermore, the country has implemented gender-sensitive legislation, improved maternal health services, and is increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing gender-based violence.
Tabuya commended organizations in Fiji that advocate for women’s rights and stressed the necessity of converting achievements into substantial change for women and girls. She pointed out that education should lead to genuine equality and guarantee women’s involvement in the economy, equal access to essential resources, and representation in leadership roles.
However, she acknowledged that systemic barriers, including patriarchal norms and discriminatory practices, continue to inhibit the growth and opportunities for women and girls in Fiji. Issues such as the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work and widespread gender-based violence remain pressing concerns.
To tackle these interconnected challenges, Tabuya advocated for enhancing economic empowerment, protecting bodily autonomy, and promoting women’s participation in economic and leadership spheres. She outlined Fiji’s commitments through initiatives like the Fiji Country Gender Assessment and the National Action Plan to prevent violence against women.
Furthermore, Tabuya announced plans for a five-year gender equality accountability initiative, set to begin in February 2024, aimed at ensuring that policies and budgets are effectively implemented with a gender-responsive approach.
This proactive stance reflects a hopeful commitment to progressing gender equality in Fiji, underscoring that true safety and empowerment for women and girls can only be achieved through equality and equitable access to resources and opportunities. Such initiatives pave the way for a brighter future where the potential of all citizens is recognized and harnessed.
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