Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, underscored the pressing need for systemic change to enhance the political landscape for women in the Pacific during a recent talanoa session. This event, part of the Pacific Technical Cooperation Programme under the Committee on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), gathered women leaders and advocates from various countries, including Cook Islands, Fiji, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, to discuss advancing women’s political participation.
Kiran highlighted both advancements and ongoing challenges within Fiji’s political framework, noting that cultural progress has been observed, such as the nomination of women to the traditionally male-dominated Great Council of Chiefs. However, significant disparities remain evident, illustrated by statistics from the last national election, where female candidates garnered a mere 8 percent of the votes, despite 238,000 women voting.
Mereseini Rakuita, Principal Strategic Lead for Pacific Women and Girls at the Pacific Community, echoed Kiran’s sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for a holistic approach to facilitate pathways for women in leadership roles. This initiative calls for involvement from various sectors of society, reinforcing the concept that supporting women in political positions must be a collective effort.
Participants also delved into the challenge of cyberbullying as a significant barrier for young female leaders. Kiran noted the relevance of creating supportive environments and initiatives like mock parliaments, which have garnered positive reception and mentoring opportunities for aspiring female politicians.
Reacting to the ongoing struggle for representation, youth advocate Ana Malia from Tonga expressed her dream of becoming her country’s first female Prime Minister, pointing out the cultural hurdles that women face in the political space. She introduced an important question regarding the potential for strategies aimed at uplifting women in leadership to also uplift adolescent girls, advocating for intergenerational equity in decision-making.
These discussions reflect a critical acknowledgment of the barriers faced by women in politics, with calls for initiatives such as mentorship programs and quotas gaining traction. With concerted efforts from both governmental and grassroots movements, the overall sentiment remains optimistic for the future of women’s representation in Fiji.
Continued advocacy, coupled with systemic reforms, offers a hopeful outlook for increasing women’s political participation, paving the way for a governance model that reflects the diverse voices of society. This commitment to fostering political inclusivity stands as a beacon of potential change in the Pacific region.
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