The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions and narratives surrounding women’s rights and achievements. At a breakfast event hosted by The Fiji Times Ltd to honor International Women’s Day, Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women and Children, underscored the critical importance of media in amplifying women’s voices and driving gender equality forward.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Accelerate action,” Kiran urged Fijians to recognize the struggles and triumphs of past generations, particularly those from Fiji’s indigenous, Melanesian, and Chinese communities. Despite acknowledging progress made in various sectors, she pointed out there remain extensive areas where work is required.
In her address, Kiran emphasized that community discussions are profoundly influenced by media representations. She argued that the portrayal of women’s roles in media is essential in shaping societal narratives, highlighting that there remains a need to elevate women’s visibility as influential decision-makers rather than merely celebrating achievements.
This message resonates with her previous remarks at various platforms such as the Pacific Media Partnership Conference, where she called for a change in how women in leadership are depicted. With one of the lowest rates of female representation in Fiji’s government, there is a pressing need for media outlets to showcase the contributions of female leaders consistently.
Kiran’s advocacy for better representation and respect for women’s leadership aligns with national efforts to embrace gender-responsive budget policies. These policies aim to integrate gender considerations into government actions for sustainable development. By fostering an environment that supports women’s economic participation and leadership, Fiji can generate a multiplier effect benefiting families and the economy.
Moreover, as communities engage more in promoting discussions about women’s empowerment, there is optimism that such dialogues will incentivize real change and progress towards a society that respects women’s contributions across all sectors. With continuous efforts aimed at enhancing women’s visibility, representation, and safety in leadership, there is hope for a more inclusive future in Fiji.
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