The Fijian Government is excited to announce its role as the host of the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), scheduled to take place in Suva in April 2025. This is a monumental occasion as it marks the first time a CEDAW Committee Session will occur outside of Geneva and within the Pacific region, highlighting the area’s dedication to advancing women’s rights and gender equality.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, expressed her enthusiasm for this historic event, reflecting on its importance for Fiji and the broader Pacific Islands. She stated, “We are deeply honoured to welcome the CEDAW Committee to Fiji. This technical cooperation session marks a significant milestone, not only for our nation but for the Pacific Islands and the world.” Minister Tabuya commended the United Nations for its commitment to ensuring the implementation of human rights through a people-centred approach.
The Minister also pointed out that Fiji’s invitation to host this session was accepted during the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2023. She acknowledged the efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Pacific Community (SPC), particularly PROJECT Governance, for their advocacy on behalf of Pacific countries for this opportunity.
As Fiji prepares for this event, the government reiterates its dedication to upholding CEDAW principles and furthering the rights of women and girls throughout the region. “This gathering presents a unique opportunity for the Pacific to showcase its accomplishments and the challenges it faces in promoting gender equality,” stated Minister Tabuya.
Ana Pelaez Narvaez, chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, emphasized the historic significance of the session, noting that it allows for direct collaboration within the Pacific to advance gender equality and tackle the unique challenges confronting women in the region. She expressed eagerness to engage with Pacific leaders and stakeholders to promote and protect women’s rights, ensuring that every woman and girl can live free from discrimination.
The upcoming Technical Cooperation CEDAW session is poised to be a transformative moment for the Pacific region, uniting government representatives, civil society organizations, and community members in discussions on achieving gender equality. The Committee will engage with three Pacific countries to assess their CEDAW implementation progress, leading to Concluding Observations at their 91st Session in June. A diverse range of side events and participatory sessions on thematic issues will encourage public involvement and collaboration among various regional stakeholders.
This commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of all voices in the conversation is a promising sign for the future, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of women’s rights on both a local and global scale. Further details on participation will be shared in the coming months, marking a new chapter in the Pacific’s journey towards equality.
In conclusion, such events not only signify vital progress in women’s rights but also serve as milestones that can inspire further initiatives and actions in the Pacific and beyond. The collective effort to address and overcome barriers for women demonstrates hope and a commitment to a more equitable future for all.
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