Women in Fiji possess the potential to lead; however, they continue to encounter cultural, social, and structural obstacles in the political arena. This crucial issue was underscored by Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, during a recent Co-Creation Workshop held in Nadi for emerging leaders.
In her address to participants from the Nominated Women Mock Parliament and Youth Mock Parliament, Kiran shared her personal journey through public life, encouraging women and young individuals to remain resilient, cultivate self-confidence, and support their ambitions. She offered pragmatic advice on navigating public scrutiny, enhancing credibility, and upholding integrity in leadership roles.
The four-day workshop, organized by UN Women in collaboration with the Ministry and Parliament of Fiji, aimed to empower women and youth to engage in political and parliamentary leadership. It included training sessions on parliamentary processes, public speaking, negotiation, and policy engagement. Additionally, the workshop reinforced essential gender concepts such as equality, stereotypes, and intersectionality, aligning its goals with Fiji’s national gender priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Kiran expressed gratitude to UN Women, Parliament, and Ministry staff for their contributions, emphasizing that the initiative is pivotal for fostering a more inclusive and representative political future for Fiji. This commitment to empowering future leaders not only enhances gender equality but also strengthens the nation’s political landscape, paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future.
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