Unpaid care work is a critical issue contributing to the persistence of gender inequalities and discrimination, a message echoed by the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) at their annual ‘If Women Stop, the World Stops’ concert, which celebrates International Women’s Day. This flagship event serves as a vital platform for advocates of women’s rights and human rights, aiming to highlight the importance of recognizing unpaid care work, eliminating violence against women and girls, and protecting marginalized communities.
The concert, scheduled for March 7 at Suva’s Sukuna Park, is supported by the Australian Government through the We Rise Coalition and the International Women’s Development Agency. It intends to raise awareness about the burden of unpaid care work that predominantly falls on women and girls, hindering their productivity and ability to engage meaningfully in society and decision-making processes.
Historical roots of International Women’s Day date back to the early 1900s, originating from labor movements advocating for women’s rights in the workplace. Despite progress, research indicates that women in Fiji perform 73 percent of unpaid household labor, while men only account for 27 percent. Notably, a significant amount of this work is done by those in paid positions, with full-time domestic workers—largely women—performing a substantial share.
FWRM emphasizes the need to spotlight the care economy and the inequitable distribution of unpaid labor, issues often overlooked in national policy discussions. The concert is designed as a symbolic strike action, encouraging women to take a break from household responsibilities and engage in music, dance, and solidarity.
This year’s event will feature performances from popular local musicians, including Vude Queen Laisa Vulakoro, who has long supported this important cause. FWRM invites women from Suva and the surrounding areas to join in solidarity, reflecting on their collective experiences and advocating for change.
The call for a Women’s Global Strike on March 8, initiated by the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development six years ago, remains a significant part of this advocacy. As part of this network, FWRM creatively organizes the concert as a way to draw attention to issues surrounding unpaid care work while providing an opportunity for women to come together in celebration and protest.
FWRM expresses gratitude for the support received from various partners and community representatives who contribute their voices and experiences to this annual event. The concert promises to be an empowering gathering, fostering hope for ongoing progress in achieving gender equality and recognition of the vital roles women play in both the home and society.
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