The Fiji Government has announced its plan 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 in April 2025. This historic occasion will be the first time a CEDAW Committee Session takes place outside of Geneva, highlighting the Pacific region’s commitment to promoting women’s rights and gender equality.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, expressed her enthusiasm for welcoming the CEDAW Committee, stating that this event signifies a remarkable milestone for Fiji, the Pacific Islands, and globally. She emphasized the United Nations’ determination to make human rights a reality through a people-centered approach to treaty body reviews.
The invitation for this session was accepted by the CEDAW Committee following a proposal from Fiji during the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2023. Minister Tabuya extended her appreciation to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Pacific Community (SPC), particularly PROJECT Governance, for their advocacy on behalf of Pacific countries.
As preparations for this groundbreaking event commence, the Government of Fiji reaffirms its dedication to CEDAW principles and advancing the rights of women and girls in the region. Minister Tabuya noted that the session presents a unique opportunity for the Pacific to demonstrate its progress and confront challenges in achieving gender equality, underscoring their commitment to the Committee’s efforts.
Ana Pelaez Nervaez, chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, stated that the session in Fiji is a pivotal moment for the Committee and the Pacific. She highlighted the importance of engaging directly with Pacific leaders and stakeholders to protect and promote women’s rights, ensuring freedom from discrimination for all women and girls.
The upcoming Pacific Technical Cooperation CEDAW session represents both a critical opportunity for advancing gender equality in the region and a beacon of hope in the global movement for women’s rights. The event will convene government representatives, civil society organizations, and individuals, fostering discussions on achieving gender equality throughout the Pacific.
The Committee will review the progress of CEDAW implementation in three Pacific countries, culminating in Concluding Observations during their 91st Session in June. Furthermore, the session will feature a variety of side events and ‘talanoa’ sessions addressing thematic issues, inviting public participation from stakeholders across the region, with additional information set to be released in the coming months.
This event is set to not only elevate the conversation around gender equality but also inspire and galvanize action within the Pacific, demonstrating a collective commitment to advancing women’s rights and fostering inclusive growth across the region.
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