Women human rights defenders in Fiji are currently facing significant challenges related to their freedoms of speech, assembly, and association, according to a recent report from the United Nations CEDAW Committee. The committee has voiced concerns about ongoing threats and risks that activists, journalists, and whistleblowers encounter in Fiji’s socio-political landscape.
In its latest assessment, CEDAW acknowledged Fiji’s progress with the repeal of restrictive legislation like the Media Industry Development Act (2010) but highlighted that sections of Fiji’s Constitution and various acts, including the Public Order Act (1969), the Electoral Amendment Act (2022), and the Crimes Act (2009), still impose disproportionate restrictions on women advocating for human rights. The committee specifically noted the rising incidence of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, particularly cyberbullying, which poses significant risks to female activists.
CEDAW emphasized the necessity for Fiji to repeal these restrictive provisions to empower women human rights defenders to advocate for their rights unsupervised. Furthermore, the committee raised alarms over the limited involvement of these women in the formulation of laws and policies that affect gender equality, calling for their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
Responding to these challenges, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission previously urged the government to reassess gender-related issues and enhance the systems currently in place. The Commission has pointed out that while there have been strides towards promoting women’s rights, issues like escalating gender-based violence and deep-rooted discrimination continue to hinder progress.
In a hopeful outlook, there is potential for change as Fiji prepares to host the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the CEDAW Committee in April 2025. This historic event, the first of its kind held outside Geneva, offers a unique opportunity for Fiji to present both its challenges and achievements in advancing women’s rights to a broader audience. The collective commitment to gender equality within the government and civil society could inspire meaningful progress towards a future where every woman can thrive.
This proactive engagement reflects a strong desire for change in the region, emphasizing dialogue and collaborative efforts as vital components for transformative outcomes for women and girls in Fiji and the Pacific Islands.
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