Empowering Fiji’s Future: Mock Parliaments for Women and Youth

Fiji’s Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran, is advocating for the introduction of mock parliaments tailored for youths and women to enhance visibility and encourage female representation in the government. During her address at the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women (CEDAW), Kiran highlighted the importance of involving more young people and women in the political landscape.

Reflecting on previous mock parliament experiences, Kiran noted that the women who participated in the last mock parliament were enthusiastic about contesting upcoming elections and had been undergoing training to prepare for these roles. She emphasized that current limitations on ballot papers—namely the absence of pictures and party symbols—pose significant barriers to women’s representation. Describing the existing ballot design as akin to “Sudoku,” she pointed out that voters often cannot identify whether they are voting for a woman or a man due to the lack of visual cues.

Kiran expressed her hope that upcoming electoral reforms would address these issues by including identifiable faces on ballots, making it easier for voters to support female candidates. Moreover, she noted that the process should also encompass shifts in societal attitudes to ensure both women and men recognize women’s capability to lead.

The minister also highlighted that the majority of participants from the last mock parliament are keen to pursue local governance roles or support other women in their political aspirations. She stressed the importance of capacity building for youths and women, aiming to create leadership opportunities that prepare them for future challenges.

This initiative is crucial as it aligns with the broader goal of fostering an inclusive political environment in Fiji, empowering young women, and ultimately working toward a government that better reflects the diverse voices of its citizens.

Inclusion and representation are essential for addressing the challenges facing the nation, and these mock parliaments can serve as significant stepping stones for young women aspiring to play an active role in governance. Such initiatives may ultimately reshape the political landscape, making it more representative and equitable in the years to come.