The Fijian Government has announced plans to host the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Suva, scheduled for April 2025. This event is historic as it will be the first CEDAW Committee Session held outside of Geneva, marking a significant step forward in promoting women’s rights and gender equality within the Pacific region.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, expressed her excitement and gratitude for being able to welcome the CEDAW Committee to Fiji. She noted that this technical cooperation session is a pivotal moment not just for Fiji but for the entire Pacific Islands and represents a broader commitment to human rights by the United Nations.
Tabuya highlighted that the decision to host the session follows an invitation made by Fiji at the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2023. She also acknowledged the support of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the Pacific Community, especially PROJECT Governance, for their advocacy on behalf of Pacific nations.
As Fiji prepares for this unprecedented event, the government reiterates its commitment to the principles of CEDAW and to enhancing the rights and welfare of women and girls throughout the region. Minister Tabuya emphasized that this gathering will serve as an opportunity for the Pacific to highlight both its achievements and ongoing challenges with respect to gender equality.
Ana Pelaez Nervaez, chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, expressed that the session presents a historic opportunity for the Committee to engage directly with Pacific leaders and stakeholders to advance gender equality and tackle the distinctive challenges that women face in the region.
The upcoming CEDAW session is poised to be a pivotal occasion for the Pacific, serving as a powerful symbol of progress in the ongoing global effort for gender equality. It will facilitate discussions among government representatives, civil society organizations, and community members on achieving gender equality in the region. The session will also include a wide array of side events and ‘talanoa’ discussions on various themes open to public engagement, fostering collaboration across the Pacific.
This initiative not only highlights Fiji’s dedication to women’s rights but also sets a hopeful precedent for regional collaboration in addressing gender disparities. It reflects the collective aspirations of the Pacific nations to create a better future for all women and girls.
In summary, the hosting of the CEDAW Committee Session in Fiji symbolizes a significant milestone in the global fight for gender equality and provides an invaluable opportunity for Pacific nations to collectively advance their commitments.
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