The 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament in Fiji demonstrated the genuine ambitions, capabilities, and concerns of its 55 participants, who traveled from various locations including Labasa, Koro, and Ovalau. The event concluded with a sense of joy and hope, emphasizing the need for greater female representation in Parliament not merely for statistical balance but to create a legislative body that effectively meets the nation’s needs.
The inaugural gathering of this cohort took place during a welcome gala on July 28, where speeches from donor agencies underscored the significance of the Mock Parliament and the extensive planning required to organize the event.
The initial days were filled with educational sessions focused on understanding parliamentary processes, policy-making skills, and practical exercises aimed at preparing participants for their full day in the Parliament Chamber.
Participants had the choice of aligning with the Government or Opposition sides, and assignments of ministerial roles highlighted existing biases and collaborative dynamics within the group.
On the third and final day, participants were tasked to speak on one of three motions regarding maternal healthcare funding, environmental conservation for women, and increased representation of women in decision-making roles. The diverse backgrounds of the mock parliamentarians brought to light varying experiences of life in Fiji, particularly concerning maternal healthcare.
Jacinta Renu from Labasa addressed the challenges faced by pregnant women, who often navigate difficult conditions to access health services. Her powerful speech resonated with fellow participants and audience members, creating a space for personal stories and shared experiences during breaks in the program.
The event emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding among participants, highlighting that issues typically seen as women’s concerns are, in fact, national issues that affect everyone.
This Mock Parliament was seen as a vital platform for empowering women and fostering leadership in Fiji. Gratitude was expressed for the efforts of those who facilitated the event and hopes were raised for more initiatives focused on women’s involvement in governance.
Several participants shared their insights:
Shivashni Dutt from Labasa expressed how the Mock Parliament was empowering and motivating, reaffirming her commitment to run for office in future elections.
Losana Derenalagi from Nawaka Village, Nadi, emphasized the critical need for women in all decision-making bodies, arguing that a balanced representation is essential for fair governance.
Raniyah Muhammed from Suva shared how the Mock Parliament enriched her understanding of governance and fueled her ambition to pursue a career in politics, underlining the unique perspectives women bring to leadership roles.
Overall, the event not only aimed to enhance women’s political engagement but also to foster a broader understanding that the challenges faced are interconnected human issues that require collective action for resolution.