The 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament in Fiji concluded with a sense of achievement and hope among the 55 participants, who traveled from various locations including Labasa, Koro, and Ovalau. The initiative emphasized the need for increasing the representation of women in Parliament, not just for equality but to create a legislative body that genuinely meets the country’s diverse needs.
The event began with a welcoming gala on Sunday, July 28, where donor agency representatives highlighted the significance of the Mock Parliament and the extensive planning involved. In these first interactions, the participants formed initial impressions of one another, which evolved during the program.
The first two days were packed with informative sessions covering parliamentary skills, policy-making, and practical exercises designed to prepare the participants for their final day in the Parliament Chamber. Participants were allowed to choose their affiliation with either the Government or Opposition sides, but the assignment process for roles highlighted existing biases and work patterns.
On Day 3, the participants took center stage in Parliament to discuss three significant motions focusing on maternal healthcare funding in rural areas, environmental conservation affecting women, and enhancing women’s representation in decision-making. The discussions revealed the varying challenges women face in Fiji, notably in maternal healthcare. Jacinta Renu, a participant from Labasa, addressed the difficulties pregnant women encounter, including dangerous travel conditions to access healthcare.
Renu’s impactful speech resonated with fellow attendees like Lenora Qereqeretabua and Sashi Kiran, who were in the audience, along with live stream viewers. It was a moment of connection as participants shared their own experiences during breaks, transforming the Mock Parliament into a humanizing experience.
The overarching takeaway from the event emphasized the importance of understanding one another’s stories, highlighting how issues perceived as specific to women or rural communities are, in fact, national concerns. The need for more women in Parliament is underscored by the realization that every issue is ultimately a human issue.
Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament, hoping for more similar initiatives in the future.
Shivashni Dutt from Labasa shared her enthusiasm about the event, calling it empowering and confidence-boosting, with a plan to run for office in the future. Losana Derenalagi from Nadi emphasized the necessity of women’s participation in decision-making roles across sectors. Raniyah Muhammed from Suva highlighted the significance of women’s unique approaches to governance and policy-making, advocating for their involvement in leadership to ensure a more equitable democracy.