Salote Malani, a devoted daughter of Ono-i-Lau, attributes her strong sense of empathy and dedication to her community to her upbringing and her mother’s career in education. As the eldest of seven siblings, Salote’s leadership journey began early, shaping her commitment to service and education. After completing her studies locally, she went abroad for further education, yet her loyalty to Fiji has remained unwavering.
Her passion for serving her homeland led her back to Fiji, where she has worked across various educational levels, from early childhood institutions to higher education, both domestically and internationally. However, in 2020, she decided to transition from education to community activism, pursuing a political path that emphasizes inclusivity.
Salote believes that current decision-making frameworks do not adequately represent gender and youth perspectives. She is vocal about the significant gaps in inclusivity and aims to create a political party that promotes balanced representation—one-third men, one-third women, and one-third youth—ensuring a comprehensive approach to national dialogues.
Addressing critical issues such as the high cost of living, insufficient government services, and the need for effective social programs, Salote envisions collaboration between the government and civil society organizations (CSOs) to develop policies that reflect the real needs of Fijians. She critiques the shifting focus of government priorities from domestic challenges to international concerns, arguing that local issues like drug abuse and rising crime rates deserve immediate attention.
Her political slogan, “Let Fiji Heal and Grow,” signifies her commitment to overcoming the traumas of past military coups and fostering a future centered around healing and sustainable progress. If elected, Salote aims to reduce unnecessary government spending, including revisiting the salaries of top officials to better align with the economic struggles faced by ordinary Fijians.
As a strong advocate for gender equality and youth empowerment, Salote emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in political leadership to create effective policies. She understands the challenges posed by Fiji’s toxic political culture but remains resolute in her mission to promote balance within national leadership. “Women are not here to replace men but to complement them,” she asserts, demonstrating her commitment to uplifting marginalized voices.
In her appeal to voters, Salote expresses her vision of prioritizing community needs over personal interests, focusing on significant changes that will improve the quality of life for all Fijians. Her journey embodies resilience and strength, highlighting the potential for meaningful empowerment in Fiji. Salote Malani’s determination to tackle societal challenges may inspire others and contribute to the establishment of an inclusive democratic governance model for Fiji’s future.
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