The permanent secretary of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Heritage, and Culture, Pita Tagicakirewa, emphasized the importance of women holding traditional and customary roles. His remarks were made during the opening of the Indigenous Women’s Forum at the Suva Civic Centre on Tuesday.
Tagicakirewa stated that the ministry is committed to ensuring the inclusion of women in these positions. He expressed the need to challenge the perception that leadership roles can only be occupied by men. “The ministry does not share that perspective. The vanua has started to open up. At this year’s Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting, three women were present,” he noted.
He mentioned ongoing efforts to encourage provinces to appreciate the significance of women’s roles within traditional structures such as tokatoka, mataqali, and yavusa. “Our call to action is for more engagement and awareness regarding the need to empower and resource more women,” he added, highlighting the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to society.
In a related discussion at a two-day Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) training session held in Nadi, it was identified that in some provinces, there are traditional protocols that limit chiefly positions to men. GEDSI consultant Aliti Vunisea pointed out that such traditions are unlikely to change.
Women representatives from Ba Province attended the session and shared their experiences regarding gender equality issues in their communities. Many expressed that a patriarchal system often overshadows their voices and concerns.
The discussions included references to notable female 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, highlighted barriers faced by women in her community, noting that traditional protocols prevent women from ascending to the position of Tui Vitogo.
Vunisea pointed out that this exclusion of women from traditional leadership is not unique to Vitogo, as it occurs in various regions. Participants were trained on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools to enhance their engagement in community development efforts, providing a mechanism for them to become active partners in their own progress.