The issue of female under-representation in political leadership is a significant concern in Fiji, where women account for almost half of the population. Despite this, their presence in decision-making roles, especially in Parliament and local government, remains notably low.
This issue was brought to light by Manoa Kamikamica, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, during a Capacity Building Training aimed at women and youth prospective election candidates in Suva. The two-day event was designed to foster dialogue among participants regarding the challenges faced by female leaders in Fiji.
Organized by Dialogue Fiji, this initiative is seen by the government as a proactive measure to tackle the obstacles encountered by women in politics. Kamikamica expressed the government’s commitment to supporting any measures that empower women, particularly in governmental roles.
Salailagi Taleimaitoga, a law student and participant in the training, emphasized the seriousness of women’s under-representation in politics. While acknowledging the presence of some women in political positions, she believes there’s still a need for increased participation. She shared her intention to use her voice to advocate for greater representation.
Taleimaitoga also offered encouragement to other young Fijian women interested in pursuing political careers, urging them not to limit themselves and to keep learning throughout their journey.
The training program aims to inspire more young women in Fiji to assert themselves in both political arenas and the workplace, paving the way for future generations of female leaders.
This initiative represents a hopeful movement towards greater inclusivity in Fiji’s political landscape, highlighting the potential for positive change and the empowerment of women as leaders for the benefit of society as a whole.
Summary: Fiji continues to face challenges with women’s under-representation in political positions, despite women making up nearly half of the population. A recent training event in Suva, led by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, aims to address these issues and empower women to engage more actively in politics. Participants like law student Salailagi Taleimaitoga are advocating for increased representation and encouraging other women to pursue political aspirations.
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