The Fijian Government is excited to announce that it will host the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in April 2025. This significant gathering in Suva will be the first of its kind to take place outside of Geneva, marking a pivotal moment for both the region and the global movement for women’s rights and gender equality.
Hon. Lynda Tabuya, Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, expressed her enthusiasm about this landmark occasion, 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 event reflects the United Nations’ commitment to advancing human rights in a manner that is centered on the needs of the people.
Minister Tabuya also recognized the efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Pacific Community (SPC), especially the PROJECT Governance initiative, which played a crucial role in advocating for this event during the 2023 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting.
As Fiji prepares to host this important session, the government reaffirms its dedication to the principles of CEDAW and to the empowerment of women and girls throughout the region. Minister Tabuya highlighted that this gathering will allow the Pacific to showcase its achievements and challenges regarding gender equality, reaffirming the commitment to support the Committee in these efforts.
Ana Pelaez Narvaez, the chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, noted the historic significance of the technical cooperation session for both the Committee and the Pacific region. She expressed eagerness for the opportunity to directly engage with Pacific leaders and stakeholders in advancing gender equality and tackling the unique challenges faced by women in the area.
The session is poised to be a crucial moment for the Pacific, uniting governmental representatives, civil society organizations, and community members to discuss pathways towards achieving gender equality. The Committee will engage with three Pacific nations to review their progress on CEDAW implementation, culminating in Concluding Observations at their 91st Session in June. Additionally, a series of side events and ‘talanoa’ sessions on vital thematic issues will invite public participation and contributions from various stakeholders in the region.
Further details regarding participation and involvement will be shared in the coming months, creating a collaborative environment aimed at promoting rights for all.
This initiative not only highlights Fiji’s leadership role in championing women’s rights but also serves as a beacon of hope for gender equality across the Pacific region and beyond. The collaboration among countries and organizations signifies a collective commitment to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from discrimination, furthering the cause of human rights for all individuals.
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