The issue of women’s under-representation in political leadership is a significant and ongoing challenge that affects many regions, including Fiji. Despite making up nearly half of the country’s population, women’s participation in decision-making roles—particularly in parliament and local governance—remains inadequate.
This concern was emphasized by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica, during the opening of a Capacity Building Training for Women and Youth Prospective Election Candidates held in Suva. This two-day training is aimed at providing a platform for candidates to learn from each other’s experiences and discuss the unique challenges that women leaders in Fiji encounter every day.
Organized by Dialogue Fiji, the program reflects a proactive step by the government to tackle the barriers highlighted by these candidates. Kamikamica stated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at empowering women, particularly in legislative bodies.
One of the participants, Salailagi Taleimaitoga, a law student and aspiring political leader, acknowledged the serious issue of women’s under-representation in politics. She stressed that although there are women in parliament, their numbers are still insufficient. Taleimaitoga encouraged young women to pursue their political aspirations and emphasized the importance of continuous learning.
The training initiative aims to inspire more young women in Fiji to assert themselves in both their professional lives and the political arena. By equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence, the hope is to foster a new generation of female leaders who can significantly contribute to decision-making processes in the country.
Overall, this program not only highlights a critical social issue but also offers a hopeful pathway for change, encouraging women to embrace leadership roles and shape the future of Fiji.
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