At the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference in Bangkok, Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya emphasized that efforts toward achieving gender equality in Fiji are frequently hindered by various factors, including misleading reports, ineffective leadership, and weak accountability structures. During her address, she criticized initiatives that do not adequately reflect the realities faced by local communities while reaffirming Fiji’s dedication to the commitments made in the Beijing Platform for Action.
Despite the challenges, Tabuya highlighted notable advancements in Fiji, such as the fact that female students now represent 57% of graduates in tertiary institutions. She pointed to the enactment of gender-sensitive legislation, improvements in maternal health services, and a growing recognition of the need to combat gender-based violence.
While celebrating these achievements, Tabuya acknowledged that translating these successes into meaningful changes for all women and girls remains a significant hurdle. She stressed the importance of education not just as a pathway to potential but as a means to advance tangible equality. This includes ensuring women have fair access to opportunities in the formal economy and representation in leadership roles across various sectors.
Addressing ongoing issues, she asserted that barriers, particularly those rooted in patriarchal norms and societal expectations, continue to limit opportunities for women and girls in Fiji. The burden of unpaid care work disproportionately falls on females, binding many to low-paying and insecure economic roles. Gender-based violence and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services further exacerbate these challenges.
Tabuya outlined Fiji’s commitments through initiatives like the Country Gender Assessment and the National Action Plan (NAP) to Prevent Violence against All Women and Girls, aimed specifically at dismantling the patriarchal structures that underpin gender-based violence.
She reinforced that true safety for women and girls can only be realized when they achieve equal status with men, with access to resources and opportunities. A significant focus is placed on gender-responsive planning and budgeting, which will be bolstered by a new accountability initiative set to launch in February 2024. This initiative aims to ensure effective implementation of gender-responsive policies across all government sectors.
In conclusion, Tabuya underscored the importance of not maintaining the status quo if the promises established in Beijing in 1995 are to be fulfilled. She called for a critical review of financial and technical partnerships to create structured and effective pathways toward genuine gender equality.
This commitment signals a hopeful future for Fijian women and girls, as the government takes tangible steps to address the interconnected challenges they face. Through focused initiatives and increased accountability, there is potential for substantial progress toward a more equitable society.
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