Ulamila Cakau has made a passionate call to women, encouraging them to embrace their roles at home to inspire positive change in their communities. As the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Mrs. Cakau addressed the 2024 Fiji Women’s Mock Parliament, sharing her belief in the transformative power of women’s involvement at home.
She pointed out that by fully engaging as mothers and community members, women can influence their households and help tackle societal problems like drug abuse and other social challenges. Mrs. Cakau described the home as a “safe space,” an essential environment where women hold significant power.
“In our homes, we possess the authority and the capability to make a difference for our families and our nation,” Mrs. Cakau asserted. “It is our responsibility to make marriages work, nurture our children, and educate them continuously,” she added.
She emphasized that women have the opportunity to impart important values, faith, love, wisdom, knowledge, kindness, respect, and humility. Mrs. Cakau urged women present to focus on these educational aspects, highlighting the need for time, understanding, commitment, and unwavering dedication to their roles.
She pointed out that children are keen observers who can easily discern inconsistencies between what they are told and what they see. “Ladies, put down your phones and step away from social media! Encourage your children to read and engage with them during their formative years,” she stated. “We need to invest our time if we want to see real change.”
Mrs. Cakau concluded with a rallying cry for women to return to the essence of their homes, to create meaningful impacts and celebrate their successes in enhancing society.