Young women in Fiji are still facing significant obstacles to political participation, despite ongoing efforts to promote gender equality. These barriers are deeply rooted in cultural norms and are exacerbated by issues such as online harassment. Ana Taka, a representative of a local NGO, shared her perspective on how societal expectations influence leadership aspirations. She pointed out that negative stereotypes and media portrayals create challenges for young women who wish to lead in politics.
Reflecting on her experiences, Taka noted the detrimental impact of negative depictions of women in the Parliament, stating that such portrayals create invisible barriers for aspiring female politicians. She highlighted that women’s roles are often scrutinized in ways that men are not, adding to the complexity of their participation in governance. Additionally, the rise of digital platforms has introduced new challenges including bullying and harassment.
Priscilla Singh, a former politician, echoed Taka’s views, emphasizing that cultural and familial expectations often silence women’s voices in public spaces. She cited the need for mentorship programs and safe environments to empower young women to pursue leadership roles.
These discussions resonate with recently expressed concerns by Shamima Ali, coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, regarding the low representation of women in political leadership, despite their successes in other fields such as technology and law enforcement. Ali called for proactive measures to improve women’s participation in governance, underscoring that the systemic barriers limit women from holding decision-making positions.
Advocates like Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica have also highlighted the alarming decrease in women’s representation in Parliament, dropping from 20% in 2018 to just 14% in the recent elections. Kamikamica and others are pushing for supportive measures, including a quota system, financial assistance, and community engagement aimed at tackling these entrenched barriers.
In light of these challenges, the collective effort among various stakeholders, including advocacy groups and political leaders, proposes a hopeful path forward. By advocating for systemic changes, fostering community support, and creating empowering spaces, there is potential for improving women’s representation in Fiji’s political landscape. These efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but actively shape the nation’s governance.
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