The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has called on the government to reassess its frameworks addressing gender issues in order to expedite progress toward gender parity. During a recent presentation to the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) Committee, commission director Loukinikini Lewaravu emphasized the importance of enhancing current mechanisms and introducing new initiatives to support women’s empowerment.
While the commission acknowledged the steps taken by the government to advance the rights of women and girls, it also pointed to alarming trends, including increased gender-based violence and persistent gaps in equality across various sectors. These challenges, attributed to societal barriers, discriminatory norms, and systemic biases, continue to hinder the empowerment of women and girls.
Lewaravu urged the government to ratify the optional protocol to CEDAW promptly, highlighting several recommendations put forth during the session. These included facilitating educational access for children lacking birth certificates and implementing gender quotas to ensure women candidates gain political representation. Furthermore, recommendations were made to reform the electoral system and promote leadership roles for women through capacity-building initiatives.
On the issue of online safety, the commission advocated for stronger legislation to address cyberbullying, which disproportionately affects women and girls. The importance of raising awareness about cervical cancer and enhancing reproductive health dialogue was also stressed, with a focus on dismantling cultural barriers that prevent open discussions on women’s health rights.
Additional recommendations included improving the enforcement of the Employment Relations Act 2007 to combat workplace discrimination and enhancing data collection mechanisms to support evidence-based policymaking focused on women’s rights. The commission also called for the state to strengthen protections for victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation and to ensure that legal support is accessible to those individuals.
Lewaravu assured the commission’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with the government, civil society groups, NGOs, and communities to monitor the implementation and impact of CEDAW in promoting and protecting women’s and girls’ rights.
This renewed commitment to gender equality, alongside significant discussions at the upcoming CEDAW Committee session scheduled for April 2025 in Fiji, provides an encouraging outlook for women’s rights in the region. Such dialogue can pave the way for transformative change and the effective implementation of policies aimed at enhancing the well-being and rights of women, ultimately fostering a more equitable society across the Pacific Islands.
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