Fiji is actively involved in the ongoing 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), taking place from March 10 to 21, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Fijian delegation is led by Filipo Tarakinikini, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and includes officials such as Acting Director for Women, Emily Kamoe-Veiqati, and Senior Women’s Interest Assistant, Setaita Saqanaivalu.
This year’s CSW session holds particular significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which lays out critical objectives to enhance the lives of women and girls globally. The focus of CSW69 is on evaluating the progress made since the declaration’s adoption, addressing existing challenges, and setting a roadmap for future advancements in gender equality.
On the opening day of CSW69, Fiji’s delegation participated in a side event organized by Papua New Guinea’s Permanent Mission. The event emphasized notable advancements towards gender parity in the workplace within the Pacific region. The day concluded with a networking reception co-hosted by the Permanent Missions of Tonga and New Zealand, providing a platform for Pacific nations, development partners, and civil society organizations to collaborate on strategies for enhancing gender equality.
On March 11, 2025, the Fiji delegation held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Padma Raman, Executive Director of Australia’s Office for Women. Discussions encompassed crucial themes such as capacity-building, the formulation of gender-responsive policies, and peer-learning exchanges between Fiji’s Ministry of Women and Australia’s Office for Women. The talks highlighted technical assistance, policy development, leadership training, and economic empowerment initiatives, reflecting Fiji’s commitment to advancing women and girls’ rights.
Fiji appreciates Australia’s ongoing support for initiatives like the National Action Plan aimed at preventing violence against women and girls, as well as the Women’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan. CSW69 serves as a vital forum for strengthening regional and international cooperation in the pursuit of gender equality, with Fiji steadfast in its dedication to empowering women and girls across all backgrounds.
The active participation of Fiji at CSW69 showcases a regional commitment to gender equality and signifies hope for the continued advancement of women’s rights, promising a brighter future for all women in the Pacific and beyond.
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