The 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament in Fiji concluded on a high note, with 55 mock parliamentarians participating from various locations, including Labasa, Koro, and Ovalau. This event underscored the real ambitions, capabilities, and concerns of the participants, who are advocating for greater female representation in the country’s legislature, emphasizing the need to construct a Parliament that genuinely addresses national needs.
Participants kicked off their experience at a welcome gala dinner on July 28, where speeches from various donor agencies highlighted the significance of the Mock Parliament and the extensive planning that went into it. This gathering provided an initial glimpse into the diverse backgrounds of the group, which was further explored in the following days.
The first two days were dedicated to workshops that covered parliamentary skills, policy-making, and practical exercises to prepare for the third day in the Parliament Chamber. Participants could choose to align with either the Government or Opposition, but the process of ministerial role assignment highlighted existing biases and working methods.
Day 3 was the highlight of the event, where the participants engaged in discussions within the Parliament regarding maternal healthcare funding in rural areas, environmental conservation impacts on women, and the importance of increasing women’s representation in decision-making. The issues presented by the delegates showcased the varying experiences of women in Fiji, particularly concerning maternal healthcare challenges.
Jacinta Renu from Labasa delivered a poignant speech about the obstacles faced by pregnant women, who often have to navigate difficult terrain and limited access to healthcare facilities. Her address resonated deeply with others, including prominent figures in the audience, and created a space for acknowledging personal stories and mutual experiences among the participants.
Throughout the event, connections were fostered among the women, who discovered that what might be perceived as specific women’s issues were, in fact, national matters. This realization underscored the need for increased female representation to better address these collective concerns.
Several participants expressed their experiences, including Shivashni Dutt, a barrister from Labasa, who described the event as empowering and a catalyst for her political ambitions. Losana Derenalagi emphasized the necessity for women to participate actively in decision-making roles, while Raniyah Muhammed, from Suva, appreciated the Mock Parliament for providing insights into governance and the significance of women’s voices in leadership.
The 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament has created a powerful platform for women in Fiji to elevate their voices and champion the need for gender equality in political representation, highlighting the importance of collaboration and inclusiveness in addressing societal challenges.