Fiji is prominently participating in the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which is taking place from March 10 to 21, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Fijian delegation is spearheaded by Filipo Tarakinikini, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, along with key officials, including Acting Director for Women, Emily Kamoe-Veiqati, and Senior Women’s Interest Assistant, Setaita Saqanaivalu.
This year’s session is particularly important as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a pivotal document that outlines critical objectives for improving the lives of women and girls worldwide. CSW69 aims to evaluate the progress since the declaration’s inception while addressing ongoing challenges and establishing a strategic roadmap for future advancements in gender equality.
On the opening day of CSW69, Fiji’s delegation took part in a side event facilitated by Papua New Guinea’s Permanent Mission. This event focused on significant strides made toward achieving gender balance in the workplace across the Pacific region. The day’s activities culminated in a networking reception co-hosted by the Permanent Missions of Tonga and New Zealand, which fostered collaboration among Pacific nations, development partners, and civil society organizations to further promote gender equality.
On March 11, 2025, the Fiji delegation engaged in a bilateral meeting with Ms. Padma Raman, the Executive Director of Australia’s Office for Women. Important topics discussed included capacity-building, the development of gender-responsive policies, and opportunities for peer-learning exchanges between Fiji’s Ministry of Women and Australia’s Office for Women. These conversations underlined the focus on technical assistance, policy advancement, leadership training, and initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to promoting the rights of women and girls.
Fiji has expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued support of initiatives such as the National Action Plan for preventing violence against women and girls, along with the Women’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan. CSW69 represents a crucial platform for fostering both regional and international cooperation in the quest for gender equality. Fiji remains dedicated to empowering women and girls from all backgrounds, contributing to a hopeful outlook for the advancement of women’s rights.
Fiji’s engagement at CSW69 illustrates a robust regional commitment to gender equality, signaling optimism for ongoing progress in women’s rights, and heralding a promising future for women across the Pacific and beyond.
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