Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, emphasized the need for systemic change to enhance women’s political participation during a recent talanoa session. The gathering aimed to address gender disparities in political leadership within the Pacific, specifically attracting women leaders and advocates from various island nations.
Kiran highlighted positive strides, such as the inclusion of women in Fiji’s traditionally male-dominated Great Council of Chiefs and the increase of women holding traditional titles. However, she pointed out the persistent challenges, noting that in the last national election, female candidates received only 8% of the votes, despite over 238,000 women participating.
Mereseini Rakuita, Principal Strategic Lead for Pacific Women and Girls at the Pacific Community, reinforced the necessity of creating pathways for women in leadership, asserting that holistic community involvement is essential. They discussed the impact of online harassment as a barrier for young aspiring female leaders, suggesting the introduction of initiatives like mock parliaments to mentor future politicians.
A youth advocate from Tonga, Ana Malia, passionately shared her dream of becoming her country’s first female Prime Minister, asking how strategies for uplifting women in leadership could also advocate for adolescent girls. Despite the grim statistics about women’s voting preferences in elections, which reflect a need for unification among women to support each other, there remains a hopeful outlook.
Kiran asserted that while the journey to achieving gender parity is ongoing, initiatives fostering mentorship and grassroots engagement are critical. She noted that with each step taken, there is progress toward creating a society where young women see themselves as leaders who are recognized by others.
The dialogue surrounding women’s representation in political leadership echoes recent discussions in Fiji regarding the urgent need for supporting initiatives that empower women, including proposals for quotas to enhance female representation in parliament. This broad consensus among leaders and advocates fosters hope for a more equitable political landscape in Fiji, empowering women to play vital roles in shaping policies and governance. The ongoing efforts suggest a positive trajectory towards enhancing women’s voices in decision-making roles, marking essential steps in the fight for gender equality.
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