The 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament in Fiji concluded with a sense of optimism and ambition, showcasing the real aspirations and concerns of the 55 participants from various regions, including Labasa, Koro, and Ovalau. The event emphasized the need for increased female representation in parliament, aiming to create a legislative body that better addresses national needs rather than merely balancing statistics.
The mock parliamentarians gathered initially for a welcome gala dinner on July 28, where representatives from donor agencies highlighted the significance and extensive planning that went into organizing the event. This gathering allowed participants to make first impressions, which evolved throughout the days ahead.
The first two days included sessions focused on parliamentary processes, policy-making skills, and practical exercises in preparation for their final day in the Parliament Chamber. Participants chose between government and opposition roles, but the assignment of specific portfolios revealed underlying biases and established working dynamics.
On the third day, the participants spoke on motions related to enhancing maternal healthcare funding in rural areas, environmental conservation affecting women, and increasing women’s representation in decision-making. Their diverse experiences in Fiji shaped the discussions, with maternal healthcare emerging as a particularly poignant topic. Jacinta Renu from Labasa highlighted the challenges faced by pregnant women, noting the difficulties they encounter in accessing healthcare facilities.
The emotional speeches fostered a sense of shared humanity, evident in the supportive interactions among the participants during breaks. The 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament underscored the importance of understanding each other’s experiences and recognizing that many issues perceived as specific to women or rural populations are, in fact, national concerns.
In expressing gratitude for the initiative, participants emphasized the need for more women in parliament to effectively serve the nation’s interests.
Shivashni Dutt, a barrister from Labasa, reflected on her empowerment and confidence gained from the experience, expressing her ambition to run for election. Losana Derenalagi from Nadi echoed the call for women in leadership, stating that half of the population should have a voice in decision-making processes. Raniyah Muhammed from Suva noted the importance of women’s unique perspectives in addressing societal challenges, advocating for increased female representation in governance.
The Mock Parliament provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage with the political system, cultivate leadership skills, and inspire a commitment to platform women’s issues on a national scale.