The Fiji Government has announced an exciting milestone as it prepares 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 event is particularly significant as it marks the first instance that a CEDAW Committee Session will occur outside Geneva and within the Pacific region, highlighting the area’s dedication to promoting women’s rights and gender equality.
Honorable Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, expressed her enthusiasm about this historic event, stating, “We are deeply honoured to welcome the CEDAW Committee to Fiji. This technical cooperation session represents a significant milestone, not only for our nation but for the Pacific Islands and the world.” She emphasized that the gathering is a testament to the United Nations’ commitment to realizing human rights through a community-focused approach to treaty body review.
Minister Tabuya noted that Fiji’s invitation to host the session was accepted during the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2023. She extended her gratitude to regional partners such as the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), particularly PROJECT Governance, for their successful advocacy on behalf of Pacific countries.
As Fiji readies itself for the event, the government reiterates its commitment to the principles outlined in CEDAW and to enhancing the rights and welfare of women and girls throughout the region. Minister Tabuya highlighted, “This gathering offers a unique opportunity for the Pacific to demonstrate its progress and challenges in promoting gender equality. We are dedicated to supporting the Committee’s efforts in this essential endeavor.”
Ana Pelaez Narvaez, chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, described the event as a landmark occasion for both the Committee and the Pacific region. She emphasized the importance of direct engagement with Pacific leaders and stakeholders to advance women’s rights and address the region’s unique challenges. The event is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the Pacific and serve as a beacon of hope for the global movement towards gender equality.
The technical cooperation session will convene government representatives, civil society organizations, and citizens to collectively address strategies for improving gender equality throughout the region. The Committee plans to engage in reviews with three Pacific nations regarding their progress in implementing CEDAW, leading to recommendations during their 91st Session in June. The session will also include various side events and participative discussions focused on thematic issues, inviting widespread public involvement. Additional details about participation will be provided in the upcoming months.
This event is a promising step forward in a global journey toward equality, paving the way for discussions that will benefit not only women and girls in Fiji but across the Pacific Islands, encouraging advocacy and raising awareness on gender-related issues.
In summary, Fiji is poised to host a significant international event that not only highlights its commitment to gender equality but also fosters vital conversations that can inspire change in the region and beyond.
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