The permanent secretary of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Heritage, and Culture, Pita Tagicakirewa, emphasized the importance of women holding traditional and customary roles. He made these remarks during the Indigenous Women’s Forum held at the Suva Civic Centre on Tuesday.
Tagicakirewa stated that the ministry is committed to including more women in various roles moving forward. He said, “Many believe that only men can undertake these responsibilities, but we aim to change that perception. The ministry does not support that view. The vanua is gradually evolving, as evidenced by the presence of three women at this year’s Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting.”
He highlighted the ministry’s efforts to promote women’s involvement in traditional structures like tokatoka, mataqali, and yavusa. “We urge for greater engagement and awareness to empower and resource women,” he added, stressing the need to value women’s contributions in society.
At the same time, a two-day Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) training session took place in Nadi, where it was noted that traditional customs in some provinces still restrict chiefly positions to men. GEDSI consultant Aliti Vunisea remarked, “And nothing will ever change it.”
Women from Ba Province participated in discussions about gender equality, sharing their experiences and challenges faced within their communities. They spoke of a prevailing patriarchal system that often diminishes their voices and concerns.
During the discussions on traditional leadership equality, Vunisea acknowledged prominent women leaders such as Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa and the late Marama na Tui Ba, Adi Laite Koroirua. However, Taraivosa Uluikavoro, a representative from Vanua o Vitogo, explained that traditional protocols prevent women from holding the title of Tui Vitogo. “In our chiefly line, even if elder sisters are alive, the position will go to their younger brother or the next generation of men,” she noted.
Vunisea indicated that such practices are common in various provinces, where women are consistently excluded from traditional leadership roles. The women representatives were trained in the use of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, which will aid in their community initiatives, allowing them to actively participate in their own development.