The 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament concluded on a high note, reflecting the genuine ambitions and concerns of its 55 participants, who gathered from various regions of Fiji, including Labasa, Koro, and Ovalau. The event highlighted the vital need for increased representation of women in Parliament, emphasizing that this is not merely about statistics, but about creating a legislative body that effectively meets the country’s needs.
The initial gathering of participants took place at a welcome gala dinner on July 28, where speeches from donor agencies underscored the significance of the Mock Parliament and the immense planning it required. This event allowed participants to form their first impressions of one another, setting the groundwork for the discussions that would unfold in the following days.
The first two days were dedicated to informative sessions designed to impart knowledge on parliamentary processes, skills, and policy-making. Participants had the option to align themselves with either the Government or Opposition sides, though roles were assigned in a way that revealed existing biases and operational styles.
Day three marked the culmination of the program, with participants speaking on motions aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare funding in rural areas, addressing environmental conservation issues affecting women, and boosting women’s representation in decision-making processes. The discussions unveiled diverse experiences regarding these important topics, demonstrating that issues like maternal healthcare, often viewed as universally pressing, have specific challenges that vary across different demographics.
Jacinta Renu from Labasa passionately highlighted the struggles faced by pregnant women in her community, illustrating how they must navigate unsafe roads with inadequate facilities to reach towns. Her compelling speech drew attention from notable attendees and resonated with the entire audience, culminating in a shared emotional experience among participants.
The Mock Parliament not only fostered a deeper understanding of pressing societal issues but also encouraged personal connections among the women involved. Participants engaged in heartfelt conversations, exchanged supportive gestures, and recognized the broader implications of their work beyond gender and regional differences.
The key takeaway for many, including participants like Shivashni Dutt, Losana Derenalagi, and Raniyah Muhammed, was the necessity of understanding one another’s perspectives to tackle national challenges. They emphasized the importance of women’s voices in political arenas, highlighting that issues traditionally perceived as women’s concerns are, in fact, issues that impact everyone within the nation.
The event served as a crucial platform for aspiring women leaders, and participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity, with hopes that future initiatives will continue to empower women in governance.