Kadavu Women’s representative Salote Nawalowalo expressed the need for greater representation of women during provincial council meetings at the Kadavu Provincial Council meeting in Suva yesterday.
Nawalowalo emphasized that the absence of women in these meetings leads to disparities in decision-making processes. “To be seated in a meeting that concerns the welfare of individuals back on the island, it saddens me that women are not there to voice their opinions and concerns,” she said.
She highlighted that out of the numerous districts in Kadavu, only two women were present, resulting in limited female participation in crucial decision-making roles.
Nawalowalo raised concerns about the welfare of women in rural communities, noting that their perspectives, concerns, and needs are often overlooked when they are not present in village meetings.
“This can lead to decisions that do not adequately address issues that are important to women, such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities,” she said. “Without women’s participation, decisions made in these meetings may not be truly representative of the entire community.”
She stressed that women bring unique insights and experiences that contribute to more balanced and effective decision-making processes.
Nawalowalo attributed the lack of female attendance to cultural norms, lack of awareness, inadequate transportation, and exclusionary practices, indicating that addressing these barriers is essential to ensuring equal participation.