The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) has expressed strong opposition to a proposed $2000 penalty for parents outlined in the Education Bill 2025, describing the fine as excessive and likely to exacerbate the struggles of low-income families. During a submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights, FWCC’s legal services manager, Miliana Tarai, highlighted that such a financial burden does not take into account the challenging economic conditions many parents face, particularly single mothers.
Tarai emphasized that the proposed fine is disproportionately high when compared to the average monthly income of single parents in Fiji. For many individuals, especially mothers with multiple children, the amount could equate to several months’ worth of essential living expenses, creating what she termed a “poverty trap.” This concern is particularly pressing for families already struggling to make ends meet.
Furthermore, Tarai criticized the Bill for conflicting with constitutional provisions mandating free education. Although the Bill appears to acknowledge the right to free education under section 31 subsection 2 of the Constitution, it simultaneously permits government-aided and government-owned schools to impose levies under section 76. This contradiction raises concerns about the true accessibility of education for all children.
In addition to these issues, Tarai pointed out the Bill’s inadequacies in addressing gender inequality within the educational system, stressing that schools often perpetuate unequal gender power dynamics. She noted that despite Fiji’s commitment to international agreements aimed at reducing gender disparities, such issues remain prevalent.
The FWCC’s submission reflects a broader societal concern that effective educational reforms must not only prioritize academic access but also ensure that they are economically feasible and equitable for all students and their families in Fiji.
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