The lack of female representation in political leadership continues to be a significant concern in Fiji, despite women making up almost half of the country’s population. This imbalance in decision-making roles, particularly within parliament and local government, has raised alarms among advocates for gender equality.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, emphasized this issue while inaugurating a Capacity Building Training for Women and Youth Prospective Election Candidates in Suva. The two-day event aims to foster understanding and shared experiences among candidates regarding the challenges faced by women leaders in Fiji.
Organized by Dialogue Fiji, this initiative is seen as a proactive strategy to tackle the issues highlighted by the candidates. Kamikamica expressed the government’s commitment to support any events or initiatives that empower women, particularly in the political arena.
Salailagi Taleimaitoga, a law student and training candidate, echoed the sentiment that the underrepresentation of women in politics is a pressing matter. She pointed out that while there are some women in political roles, their numbers remain limited. As a passionate advocate, Taleimaitoga encourages other young Fijian women to pursue their political aspirations.
Her message to her peers is clear: “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.”
This training program not only aims to equip young Fijian women with the skills necessary for political participation but also encourages them to be vocal advocates for their rights in the workplace and beyond.
By fostering confidence and building capacity among women, initiatives like this could pave the way for increased female representation and influence in Fiji’s political landscape, ultimately leading to a more balanced and equitable governance system.
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