The Fiji Government is excited to announce that it will host the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the United Nations Committee of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in April 2025. This marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time a CEDAW Committee Session takes place outside of Geneva and in the Pacific region, reinforcing the area’s commitment to enhancing women’s rights and gender equality.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, expressed her enthusiasm and pride regarding this historic event. She stated, “We are deeply honoured to welcome the CEDAW Committee to Fiji. This technical cooperation session is a significant milestone not just for our nation, but for the Pacific Islands and globally.” The Minister noted that this opportunity exemplifies the United Nations’ dedication to operationalizing human rights through a people-centered approach.
Fiji’s invitation to host the session was accepted during the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2023, demonstrating the strong advocacy efforts by both the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS) and the Pacific Community (SPC), particularly through the PROJECT Governance initiative.
As Fiji prepares for this groundbreaking event, the Government is committed to upholding CEDAW’s principles, advocating for the rights and welfare of women and girls in the region. Minister Tabuya emphasized that the gathering will allow the Pacific to showcase its progress and the challenges it faces in achieving gender equality. She believes the session will catalyze progress not only in the rights of women but also for human rights in general across the Pacific.
Ana Pelaez Narvaez, chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, described the upcoming session as a historic moment for both the Committee and the Pacific. She highlighted that it presents a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with regional leaders and stakeholders on advancing gender equality, aiming to ensure that every woman and girl lives free from discrimination.
The session promises to be a pivotal moment for the Pacific, bringing together government representatives, civil society organizations, and community members to discuss strategies for achieving gender equality in the region. The Committee will engage with three Pacific countries to assess their progress on implementing CEDAW, ultimately producing Concluding Observations at their 91st Session in June.
Additionally, the event will feature a diverse array of side events and ‘talanoa’ dialogues on thematic issues, fostering public participation and the involvement of stakeholders throughout the region. More details on how to participate will be shared in the months ahead.
This initiative not only represents a major step forward in the fight for women’s rights in the Pacific but also highlights the region’s potential as a leader in promoting gender equality on the global stage. The collaborative efforts are expected to inspire positive change and pave the way for future advancements in human rights.
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