Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has highlighted the persistent challenges of gender inequality, the escalating HIV crisis, and gaps in social protection during her address at the Pacific CEDAW Technical Cooperation Session. Despite notable progress, Kiran stated that urgent actions are still needed to address these issues.
The recent 2024 Global Gender Gap Report placed Fiji at 128 out of 146 countries, indicating significant barriers faced by women in leadership, employment, and access to resources. In response to these disparities, the Fijian government has integrated gender equality into its National Development Plan and is implementing 53 gender-focused programs across various ministries.
Kiran cited improvements in agriculture and law enforcement as examples of progress, such as a 28 percent increase in women farmers receiving support following the introduction of a gender policy in 2022. Moreover, the representation of women in senior roles within the police force has risen from one percent in 2016 to 19 percent.
However, Kiran has expressed alarm about the rapid increase in HIV cases in Fiji, now regarded as the second fastest-growing epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region. This surge is attributed to practices like “bluetoothing,” where intravenous drug users share blood. With young women and girls being particularly vulnerable, the government declared a national HIV outbreak and is implementing strategies for testing and tackling drug use.
The well-being of women is further supported through various government welfare schemes, with over 31,000 women receiving assistance under the Social Pension Scheme. To address social vulnerabilities, a new Adaptive Social Protection Strategy has been approved to enhance disaster preparedness and economic resilience.
Kiran’s statements resonate with concerns previously raised by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), particularly regarding the link between violence against women and the HIV/AIDS crisis. The FWCC reported alarming statistics, indicating that 72 percent of women in Fiji have experienced intimate partner violence, exacerbating the public health emergency surrounding HIV.
The newly initiated National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women aims to address these intertwined issues by recognizing the impact of gender inequality and advocating for essential support services for women and girls.
This comprehensive approach highlights the interconnected nature of gender rights and public health, reinforcing the importance of community engagement and sustained efforts to combat these critical challenges. The ongoing dialogue surrounding these issues is crucial for fostering a healthier and more equitable future for women and girls in Fiji.
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