Ulamila Cakau has made a passionate appeal to women, encouraging them to fully embrace their roles in the home as a means to foster positive change within their communities. As the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, she addressed attendees at the 2024 Fiji Women’s Mock Parliament, emphasizing the transformative power women hold.
Mrs. Cakau conveyed that by committing to their roles as mothers and engaged community members, women can contribute significantly to altering their home environments, which in turn can help combat societal issues like drug abuse and other social challenges.
She described the home as a “safe space,” an important setting where women can exert considerable influence. “Within our homes, we possess power and authority. We have the opportunity to make a difference not just in our families, but also in our nation,” she stated.
She underscored the responsibilities that women carry within this space, highlighting their pivotal role in nurturing their children and instilling vital values. “We need to teach values, love, wisdom, knowledge, kindness, respect, and humility. How do we achieve this? We require time, understanding, grace, and most importantly, commitment. We must hold ourselves accountable,” Mrs. Cakau emphasized.
Throughout her address, she articulated the importance of leading by example, noting that children are quick to perceive any inconsistencies between what is said and what is done.
Mrs. Cakau encouraged women to disconnect from their phones and social media, urging them to engage with their children in more meaningful ways, such as reading together. “In the critical years of our children’s lives, we must invest our time and effort,” she insisted.
She concluded her message with a call to action for women to return to their homes, take on the challenge of making a difference, and ultimately emerge victorious in their endeavors to enhance society.