The Fiji Government has announced plans 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 in April 2025. This event marks a historic milestone, as it is the first CEDAW Committee Session to take place outside of Geneva, emphasizing the Pacific region’s commitment to women’s rights and gender equality.
Hon. Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, expressed her excitement and pride in welcoming the CEDAW Committee to Fiji, viewing it as a significant achievement for both the nation and the Pacific Islands. She noted that this technical cooperation session is a testament to the United Nations’ dedication to implementing human rights through a people-centered approach.
The invitation for this session was accepted by the CEDAW Committee during the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in 2023. Minister Tabuya acknowledged the efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and SPC, particularly PROJECT Governance, in advocating for this session.
As Fiji prepares for this groundbreaking event, the government reaffirms its commitment to CEDAW’s principles and to the rights and well-being of women and girls in the region. The session will provide a unique platform for the Pacific to share its progress and challenges related to gender equality, with Minister Tabuya emphasizing its potential to accelerate advancements in women’s human rights.
Ana Pelaez Nervaez, chairperson of the CEDAW Committee, highlighted this session as a historical opportunity for direct engagement with the Pacific region to tackle the specific challenges faced by women and to promote their rights.
This upcoming Pacific Technical Cooperation CEDAW session is poised to be a crucial gathering, bringing together diverse stakeholders—including government representatives and civil society organizations—to discuss and strategize on achieving gender equality. The Committee will review the progress of CEDAW implementation in three Pacific countries, leading to Concluding Observations at their 91st Session in June.
In summary, Fiji’s hosting of the CEDAW session represents a hopeful step forward in the global pursuit of gender equality, with plans for public involvement and thematic discussions anticipated.
This pivotal event serves as a beacon of progress, showcasing a regional commitment to empowering women and creating a more equitable future for all. As the session approaches, further opportunities for public participation and stakeholder engagement will be announced, sparking enthusiasm for collective efforts towards gender equality.
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