The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has taken a significant step forward by collaborating with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to promote gender-responsive regulation in Fiji. This partnership will align FCCC’s operations with the UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal initiative, aiming to enhance gender balance across various sectors, such as electricity, water, digital governance, and consumer protection.
The discussions concerning this initiative were led by FCCC’s Chief Executive Officer Senikavika Jiuta and her team, including General Manager for People, Culture, and Corporate Services, Vinitesh Kumar. They met with Munkhtuya Altangerel, UNDP’s Pacific Resident Representative, to explore opportunities for this collaborative effort. Jiuta expressed that the FCCC is dedicated to promoting gender equity, reflecting the realities of all Fijians, especially women, as consumers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
The FCCC’s commitment emphasizes internal policy development to bolster inclusion and enhance its role as a contemporary and socially-conscious regulator. The institution is currently formalizing this partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding.
Previously, under Jiuta’s leadership, the FCCC has made strides toward consumer safety and market fairness, especially following her appointment as the first female CEO of the FCCC. Her focus has been on advocating for consumer rights and effective regulatory practices, responding to the needs of citizens, amidst rising living costs and market challenges.
As the FCCC embarks on this promising journey, the hope is that gender-responsive regulations will inspire a more equitable marketplace for all Fijians, ensuring that the voices of women are not only heard but also prioritized in regulatory frameworks. This collaborative effort may ultimately lead to improved consumer protections, transparent practices, and inclusive economic growth in Fiji.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment within Fiji to address gender inequalities and promote empowerment across all sectors of society, showcasing a future aligned with the ideals of diversity and inclusion.
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