As Fiji prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day this weekend, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh is calling on the nation to recognize and appreciate the contributions of women every day of the year. Singh emphasized the crucial role women play in shaping families and communities, advocating for a culture of daily acknowledgment rather than a one-day celebration.
He articulated the importance of empowering women, noting that such efforts have a profound and lasting influence across generations. “As the saying goes, educate a boy, and you educate an individual, but educate and empower a girl, and you uplift an entire family,” he stated, underscoring the transformative power of women’s education and empowerment.
Singh took the time to acknowledge the myriad sacrifices made by women on a daily basis, often without proper recognition. He painted a vivid picture of the demanding routines many women endure, especially in traditional Fijian households. These routines often commence before dawn and extend late into the night, encompassing responsibilities such as meal preparation, ensuring children are ready for school, managing household tasks, and balancing work obligations. “Women are the first to wake up and the last to rest. They make sure everyone in the household is looked after,” Singh noted.
Despite the extensive contributions and sacrifices made by women, Singh pointed out that their hard work frequently goes unnoticed. He expressed hope that while International Women’s Day serves as a significant occasion to honor these contributions, appreciation for women should extend beyond just one day. The minister’s message aligns with a growing awareness of the need for continuous recognition and empowerment of women in communities, reflecting a hopeful outlook toward greater gender equity in Fiji.
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