The 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament in Fiji showcased the genuine ambitions, capabilities, and concerns of 55 participants from various regions, including Labasa, Koro, and Ovalau. The event was marked by a sense of elation and optimism, emphasizing the necessity for more women in Parliament as a means to construct a House that adequately addresses the nation’s needs, rather than merely correcting gender imbalances.
The first gathering of the group, which was held during a welcome gala dinner on July 28, set the stage for the significance of the Mock Parliament. Speeches from donor agencies highlighted the extensive planning involved in organizing the event. This occasion also allowed participants to create initial impressions of one another, which would evolve throughout the event.
Days one and two were dedicated to informational sessions that covered parliamentary procedures, policy-making skills, and practical exercises. Participants had the option to align themselves with either the Government or Opposition, yet the assignment of roles revealed underlying biases and work dynamics.
The third and final day marked the highlight of the event, where participants convened in Parliament chambers to debate one of three motions focused on enhancing maternal healthcare funding in rural areas, environmental conservation affecting women, and increasing women’s involvement in decision-making processes. Each speaker brought forth unique insights reflecting the diverse experiences of womanhood in Fiji.
Jacinta Renu from Labasa emphasized the struggles faced by pregnant women in her area, highlighting inadequate infrastructure and the challenges of accessing maternal health clinics. Her powerful speech resonated with other attendees, including notable figures like Lenora Qereqeretabua and Sashi Kiran.
Throughout the event, the bonds formed among participants deepened as they shared experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding. The key takeaway from the Mock Parliament emphasized the importance of listening and empathizing with each other’s stories, reinforcing that issues traditionally viewed as women’s or rural problems are, in reality, national concerns.
A collective gratitude was expressed towards everyone involved in organizing the Mock Parliament, with hopes for future initiatives to continue empowering women in leadership roles.
Participants shared their experiences, asserting the need for increased female representation in governance. Shivashni Dutt, a barrister from Labasa, reflected on how the Mock Parliament inspired her confidence in pursuing a political career. Losana Derenalagi from Nadi emphasized the importance of women’s voices in decision-making, likening the need for representation to a bird requiring both wings to fly. Raniyah Muhammed, working as an engagement officer in Suva, noted the unique perspectives women bring to tackling governance challenges, advocating for a more inclusive democracy.
Through these powerful testimonies, the event underscored the crucial role women play in shaping a diverse and effective political landscape in Fiji.