Breaking Barriers: The Fight for Women’s Voices in Leadership

Tui Nakasa Bulou Sulueti Naikelekelevesi, a prominent female leader in Kadavu, has faced considerable challenges as the only woman district head in the province. She expressed her struggles with being listened to and respected in her role, despite her extensive experience and leadership tenure of over a decade in Nakasaleka.

Sharing her insights, Bulou Sulueti remarked, “Based on my experience leading my district as a woman, I’ve observed that people are often unwilling to listen to me and it’s difficult to understand why.” Her leadership, heavily influenced by her faith and commitment to her community (vanua), is aimed at addressing critical issues such as drug prevention and the well-being of youth. She emphasized the importance of raising children with respect and good values to help them make better life choices.

This struggle for recognition and representation isn’t unique to Bulou Sulueti. Kadavu Women’s representative Salote Nawalowalo has also highlighted the necessity of greater women representation in provincial council meetings. Nawalowalo expressed her deep concern about the absence of women in decision-making roles, stating, “When women are not present in village meetings, their perspectives, concerns, and needs are often overlooked.”

Both leaders underscore the need to improve the representation of women in leadership positions and decision-making processes to ensure that the community’s diverse needs are addressed. Nawalowalo noted that individual and systemic barriers contribute to women’s underrepresentation, including cultural norms and lack of awareness, stressing the urgency of overcoming these obstacles for more inclusive participation.

The stories of Bulou Sulueti and Nawalowalo reflect a broader narrative about the essential role women play in community leadership and decision-making. Their perseverance against adversity serves not only as an inspiration to other women but also highlights the importance of fostering environments where women’s voices can be heard and respected. With shared leadership and active participation, they aim to create a more equitable future for their communities.