Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran has called for an increased presence of women in decision-making roles across Fiji, emphasizing the importance of female leadership during an International Women’s Day event in Labasa. Kiran highlighted that while many women are already contributing as leaders in their communities, there is a significant absence of female voices in formal leadership positions such as town councils and rural advisory councils.
Addressing a gathering of women, Kiran recognized their essential roles in various capacities, stating, “I know each one of you in this room is already a leader. You lead your community groups, and you do a lot of work.” Despite this, she pointed out the critical need for more women to step into local government positions to ensure that their perspectives are represented and valued in decision-making processes.
Encouraging women to participate in the upcoming local government elections, she stated, “We need more women in town councils and local government to make sure women’s voices go far.” Kiran underscored the crucial contributions women make to Fiji’s agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors, particularly in rural areas, where they balance demanding work with managing households.
She poignantly remarked on the daily diligence of women in these communities, noting, “Our women wake up before everyone else. They plant, they harvest, and they keep families together, but how many spaces do we have where women are truly listened to?” Kiran’s message is a call to action for women to claim their rightful place in leadership roles, reaffirming the necessity of their participation in shaping policies that impact their lives and communities. The call for empowerment and recognition of women’s contributions carries a hopeful message for the future of Fiji’s governance.
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