Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has underscored the necessity of increasing women’s representation in political and decision-making roles during the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) held in Suva. He pointedly raised the question of why female political candidates fail to garner sufficient support from women voters, despite women comprising about half of Fiji’s population.
Rabuka criticized what he termed “tokenism,” emphasizing that the inclusion of women in leadership roles should be meaningful rather than merely aimed at achieving numerical representation. “Our aim is to elevate and uphold the dignity of women at the highest level of national governance,” he articulated, highlighting that simply appointing women to positions for the sake of numbers undermines genuine empowerment efforts.
This meeting, which focuses on women’s rights and gender equality, provides a platform for crucial discussions surrounding the systemic barriers that continue to impede women’s political participation in Fiji. Rabuka called for significant engagement from all stakeholders to ensure that the dialogues resonate with the contextual realities faced by women and girls in the Pacific who do not exist in isolation.
Notably, Rabuka’s remarks echo previous discussions by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica, who has advocated for implementing a quota system to bolster female representation in Parliament. Following the 2022 elections, there has been a notable decrease in women’s representation—from 20% in 2018 to just 14%, despite over 238,000 women voting during those elections, revealing a disconnect that needs addressing.
The Prime Minister’s initiative aligns with the growing recognition among leaders in Fiji that men must also participate actively in promoting gender equality. Collaborative actions among a broad spectrum of society, including government, civil organizations, and the public, are vital for dismantling the barriers that limit women’s roles in governance.
Fiji’s ongoing efforts to enhance women’s roles in politics signal a hopeful trajectory towards a more inclusive governance structure that accurately reflects its diverse population. Through continued dialogue and actionable initiatives, there is potential for transforming the political landscape in Fiji, fostering a society where women play pivotal roles in shaping policies and governance that impact their lives and communities.
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