Efforts to achieve gender equality are often hindered by superficial reports, ineffective leadership, a lack of technical expertise, and weak accountability, according to Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya. She voiced these concerns during Fiji’s country statement at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, which reviewed the Beijing Platform for Action.
In her address, Tabuya criticized initiatives that do not align with the real-life needs of local communities while reiterating Fiji’s commitment to the promises outlined in the Beijing declaration. She acknowledged the progress Fiji has made despite the challenges, noting that female students now represent 57 percent of graduates from tertiary institutions. The country has also implemented gender-sensitive legislation, improved maternal health services, and is increasingly recognizing the imperative to address gender-based violence.
Tabuya praised the efforts of women’s rights organizations in Fiji for their unwavering advocacy for justice and equality. She highlighted that while some milestones have been achieved, the real challenge lies in turning these accomplishments into meaningful changes for all women and girls. She emphasized the importance of education not only as a means to unlock potential but also as a pathway to genuine equality, ensuring women’s full participation in the economy, equitable access to resources, and greater representation in leadership roles.
Despite advancements, significant barriers still exist, particularly in the form of deep-rooted patriarchy and discriminatory social norms. Tabuya underlined that these constraints limit opportunities for Fijian women and girls, particularly regarding unpaid domestic work that often falls to women, confining many to low-wage and insecure jobs. Gender-based violence and restricted access to sexual and reproductive health rights remain pressing issues.
To confront these interconnected challenges, Tabuya stressed Fiji’s commitment to economic empowerment, the safeguarding of bodily autonomy, and the importance of recognizing unpaid care work. She mentioned initiatives like the Fiji Country Gender Assessment and the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against All Women and Girls, affirming Fiji’s intention to tackle the root causes of gender inequality, primarily patriarchy.
Tabuya called for gender-responsive planning and budgeting to ensure that commitments to gender equality are reflected in real financial investment. She elaborated on a new five-year gender equality accountability initiative set to launch in February 2024, aimed at monitoring the effective implementation of gender-responsive policies and budgets across government sectors. She concluded by stating that the promises made in Beijing cannot be realized through a status quo approach, urging a critical examination of financial and technical partnerships for gender equality.
This article highlights Fiji’s proactive approach in striving for gender equality, showcasing significant advancements while also acknowledging the work that remains. By highlighting both challenges and successes, it serves as an important reminder that continued commitment and accountability are essential in driving meaningful change toward equality.
Overall, there is hope in Fiji’s initiatives and the ongoing dedication to bridging the gaps that persist, potentially leading to a brighter future for women and girls in the nation.
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