The permanent secretary of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Heritage, and Culture, Pita Tagicakirewa, emphasized the importance of women occupying traditional and customary roles. He expressed these views while inaugurating the Indigenous Women’s Forum at the Suva Civic Centre on Tuesday.
Mr. Tagicakirewa stated that the ministry is committed to incorporating women’s involvement moving forward. He remarked, “Many believe that only men can fulfill these roles, but we aim to challenge that misconception. The ministry does not support that viewpoint. The vanua has started to become more inclusive. At this year’s Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting, three women were present.”
He mentioned efforts to visit provinces to advocate for the inclusion of women in traditional positions within a tokatoka, mataqali, and yavusa. “Our call to action is for greater engagement and awareness concerning the empowerment and support of more women,” he added. Mr. Tagicakirewa underscored the need to recognize women’s contributions to society.
Simultaneously, during a two-day Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) workshop in Nadi, it was noted that certain traditional customs in various provinces restrict chiefly positions to men. GEDSI consultant Aliti Vunisea commented, “And nothing will ever change it.”
Women representatives from Ba Province shared personal experiences regarding gender equality during the discussions, highlighting the challenges they encounter. Some indicated that a patriarchal system still prevails, often suppressing their voices and concerns.
Ms. Vunisea referenced prominent women leaders, such as Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa and the late Marama na Tui Ba, Adi Laite Koroirua, while discussing leadership equality in the vanua. However, Taraivosa Uluikavoro, representing the Vanua o Vitogo, explained that traditional protocols prevent women from assuming the role of Tui Vitogo, as positions pass to younger brothers or the next male generation, regardless of the elder sisters’ presence.
Ms. Vunisea indicated that similar situations occur in other provinces where women are also barred from traditional chiefly roles. The participating women were trained in utilizing Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools to engage in community development fully. These tools serve as a means to enable them as active partners in their own development initiatives.