The issue of women’s under-representation in political leadership is a significant concern, and this is equally true in Fiji, where women make up nearly half of the population. Despite this demographic reality, their presence in decision-making roles, particularly in parliament and local government, is strikingly limited.
This topic was brought to the forefront by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, during a Capacity Building Training for Women and Youth Prospective Election Candidates held in Suva. The two-day event aims to provide valuable insights into the challenges that women leaders in Fiji encounter daily, fostering a space for candidates to share and learn from one another.
Initiated by Dialogue Fiji, the government sees this training as a crucial step towards addressing the obstacles faced by female candidates. Kamikamica affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting any initiative aimed at empowering women in political roles.
Salailagi Taleimaitoga, a law student who participated in the training, voiced her concerns about the limited representation of women in politics. She emphasized that while some women occupy positions in the political arena, their numbers remain insufficient. Taleimaitoga believes in leveraging her voice to advocate for greater representation and encouraged other young Fijian women to pursue their ambitions without hesitation. “Don’t limit yourself. If you feel that you want to pursue something, go for it and always remember that it is never too late to stop learning,” she advised.
The program also seeks to inspire more young women in Fiji to advocate for themselves both in their workplaces and in the broader political landscape. This proactive approach not only highlights the existing challenges but also paves the way for a future where women can take up their rightful place in leadership roles.
In summary, while the under-representation of women in Fiji’s political sphere poses challenges, initiatives such as this training program are important steps towards increasing women’s participation and influence in governance. There is hope that through continued support and encouragement, more women will feel empowered to pursue careers in politics, ultimately leading to a more balanced and representative political landscape.
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