Government leaders in Fiji are facing criticism from the Non-Governmental Organisations Coalition on Human Rights, which is urging them to prioritize pressing issues affecting the people. Coalition chair Shamima Ali called for the upcoming 2025 National Budget to be more people-centered, emphasizing that the government seems to be drifting away from addressing the real problems citizens are facing.
Ali expressed particular concern about the need for robust financial commitments towards implementing Fiji’s National Action Plan for the Prevention of All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls. She highlighted that while discussions about economic stability and growth are ongoing, the alarming reality remains that 64 percent of women in Fiji experience violence daily or grapple with undue burdens related to unpaid care work.
She emphasized the importance of gender-responsive budgeting, insisting that it should be at the heart of the government’s strategy. The government’s Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting Manual should yield tangible results for women and girls in the nation, following commitments made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad during the launch of Fiji-NAP in 2023.
In the past few months, other organizations, such as the Fiji Council of Social Services, have echoed similar concerns. They have urged the government to refocus on the everyday challenges facing Fijians, as vital social and economic issues are often drowned out by political distractions. Effective responses are particularly crucial as nearly half of the population lives below the poverty line, underscoring the call for inclusive development reforms.
Public consultations led by the government began in April in preparation for the formulation of the 2025-2026 National Budget, set for announcement on June 27. The government’s ability to effectively engage with communities and integrate their voices into policy-making could significantly foster a more responsive administrative approach that prioritizes the well-being of all Fijians.
With ongoing discussions emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency, there remains hope that the current challenges could catalyze a more engaged and responsible governance framework, ultimately seeking to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
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