The push for gender equality continues to gain momentum, yet many of its advocates find their calls are often overlooked. While significant strides have been made regarding women’s participation in various public spheres in Fiji, they still remain underrepresented in the democratic process. Their voices do not receive the amplification they require.
There has been extensive discussion regarding the need for parliament to reflect the diverse society it represents. However, if current patterns persist, the gender disparity in our democratic institutions may extend well into 2050. Moreover, while the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals emphasize gender equality, projections indicate that achieving these goals could be delayed until 2064 if trends do not change.
Globally, substantial gender inequalities and low levels of women’s empowerment are pervasive, with less than one percent of women living in countries that exhibit noticeable gender equality. The Women’s Empowerment Index of 2023 reveals that on average, women are only able to achieve 60 percent of their potential worldwide, while the Global Gender Parity Index indicates women perform 28 percent worse than men in critical human development areas, including education, health, and skill acquisition.
Cultural norms and social expectations can play a pivotal role in promoting gender equality. In Fiji, traditional concepts such as “vanua” (land) and its significance in leadership can be leveraged to enhance women’s political involvement. As culture and traditions evolve, they need not be confined to antiquated norms or hierarchies.
It is essential that current and future leaders advocate for an inclusive democratic system. All parliamentarians have the ability to act as allies for gender equality, helping to create more political opportunities for women. Moreover, instilling lessons about the importance of equality and women’s participation among the youth can lead to beneficial long-term societal transformations.
Efforts to support emerging women leaders, particularly from grassroots backgrounds, are crucial. Providing systems that foster the necessary skills, experiences, and confidence for these individuals to enter politics is paramount. The Women’s Practice Parliament, which received support from the UN development program and the governments of Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, exemplifies this effort by offering women a platform to engage in parliamentary processes and decision-making.
Through simulated parliamentary sessions, participants learned how to draft legislation, advocate for their constituents, and connect with other aspiring women leaders, thereby building a support network to share experiences and gain inspiration for future leadership roles.
Unity is vital, and the collective future of society hinges on empowering women and their involvement in the democratic arena. Fiji is making steady progress in enhancing its parliamentary democracy and promoting social inclusion and peace building. Despite the strides achieved, there remains ample room for development.
Let us unite—men and women together—to redefine leadership and establish a world where every person, regardless of gender, can reach their full potential.