Fiji is taking significant steps to enhance gender-responsive and inclusive social protection systems, underscored by Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran’s recent participation in a global symposium in Bangkok. The Global Symposium on Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Social Protection, which took place from February 17 to 19, was co-hosted by UNICEF Pacific alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The symposium convened a diverse group of participants, including government representatives, civil society organizations, bilateral partners, and international agencies, to exchange valuable insights and develop effective policy approaches towards inclusive social protection. Minister Kiran was joined by the National Social Protection Reforms Coordinator Rozia Bi and Social Policy Specialist Seruwaia Cagilaba from UNICEF Pacific’s Multi-Country Office in Suva.
In her address, Kiran emphasized Fiji’s robust social protection framework, which currently provides essential cash assistance to children, individuals with disabilities, elderly citizens, and families in need. She pointed out the necessity to broaden discussions about “cash plus” strategies, which combine financial aid with additional services to effectively reach the most vulnerable populations.
The Minister also called attention to the crucial need for challenging gender-discriminatory social norms, advocating for a comprehensive approach that involves both government and the entire population to foster profound, gender-transformative changes. Kiran shared insights into various toolkits and capacity-building initiatives that are being implemented in Fiji, aimed at enhancing service delivery and policy execution.
During their time in Bangkok, the Fijian delegation engaged in bilateral meetings with senior officials from UNICEF, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, further solidifying international partnerships to advance Fiji’s social protection initiatives.
This commitment from Fiji not only highlights the country’s dedication to improving the welfare of its citizens but also sets a positive precedent for other nations striving to implement inclusive social support systems.
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