The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, highlighted that despite over 50 percent of women graduating, their participation in the formal economy remains low. During her address in Parliament, she emphasized the need for a comprehensive development plan to enhance women’s economic involvement, which includes improving access to financial resources.
Tabuya discussed the gender transformative institutional capacity development initiative aimed at integrating gender mainstreaming into the planning and budgeting processes of various ministries and agencies. She pointed out the shortage of women in leadership roles within both public and private sectors.
The Minister clarified a common misconception between the terms “gender transformative” and “transgender” following criticisms on social media regarding the initiative. She emphasized that the focus is on gender transformation, not transgender issues.
She also recognized the progress made in social protection policies that specifically support women, detailing six programs including family assistance, care protection for children, social pensions, rural pregnant mothers’ support, food vouchers, and transportation and disability allowances.
Tabuya acknowledged the rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and stressed the importance of addressing women’s health issues, notably citing cervical cancer as the leading cause of death among women in Fiji. She expressed gratitude towards the Health Minister and his team for their efforts in developing a policy to combat this issue.
Looking ahead, she mentioned Fiji’s upcoming participation in the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference in Thailand from November 19 to 21, where Fiji has been nominated as vice chair. In preparation, the Ministry aims to collaborate with civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and women’s organizations to present the review report, with support from the UN Women and the UN Human Fiji multi-country office.