The Fijian 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, scheduled for April 2025. This event is significant as it marks the first time that a CEDAW Committee Session will take place outside of Geneva and within the Pacific region, reflecting the commitment of the Pacific Islands towards promoting women’s rights and gender equality.
Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, expressed her enthusiasm about this historic event, emphasizing the honor it brings to Fiji. She pointed out that the session signifies a substantial achievement not only for Fiji but for the entire Pacific Islands and the global community as well. Tabuya praised the UN’s commitment to a people-centered approach to human rights implementation, highlighting how this session will facilitate meaningful treaty body reviews.
The invitation for Fiji to host the session was accepted by the CEDAW Committee following discussions at the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2023. Minister Tabuya also recognized the significant contributions of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Pacific Community, particularly PROJECT Governance, for their advocacy efforts ensuring the session’s realization.
As Fiji gears up for this groundbreaking gathering, the Government reaffirmed its dedication to the principles of CEDAW and its mission to enhance the rights and wellbeing of women and girls throughout the region. Minister Tabuya noted that the event presents a unique platform for the Pacific to highlight both its achievements and challenges in pursuing gender equality. She expressed optimism that the technical cooperation session will catalyze substantial advancements in gender equality, ultimately benefiting the human rights of all individuals in the Pacific.
Ana Pelaez Narvaez, chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, echoed this sentiment, referring to the session as a historic occasion for both the Committee and the region. She emphasized the importance of engaging directly with Pacific leaders and stakeholders to devise strategies that advance gender equality and combat discrimination against women.
The Pacific Technical Cooperation CEDAW session is poised to be a turning point for the region and symbolizes progress in the global endeavor for gender equality. It will facilitate discussions among government representatives, civil society organizations, and community members regarding strategies to achieve gender equality. The Committee plans to conduct reviews with three Pacific nations to assess their progress in implementing CEDAW, leading to conclusions that will be addressed in their 91st Session in June. Additionally, the session will feature a variety of side events and ‘talanoa’ discussions on key thematic issues, welcoming public participation and involvement from stakeholders across the region.
This initiative presents a hopeful opportunity for the Pacific Islands to advocate for women’s rights and reflect on their journey toward gender equality, promoting a vision for a more equitable future for all.
In summary, this event not only puts Fiji on the global stage but also sets the tone for the Pacific’s continued advancement in women’s rights and gender equality. As details on participation and involvement emerge, the anticipation grows for what promises to be a transformative moment for women and girls in the Pacific.
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