In a call for greater gender representation, Kadavu Women Representative Salote Nawalowalo stressed the need for more women to participate in provincial council meetings. Speaking at the Kadavu Provincial Council meeting in Suva yesterday, Nawalowalo highlighted significant disparities in decision-making processes due to the lack of women’s voices.
“To be seated in a meeting that discusses the welfare of people back on the island, it saddens me that women are not present to voice their opinions and concerns,” stated Nawalowalo. She pointed out that despite the numerous districts in Kadavu, only two women held positions in these crucial decision-making gatherings.
Nawalowalo expressed concern over the welfare of women in rural communities, emphasizing that their perspectives, concerns, and needs often go overlooked in village meetings due to their absence.
“This can lead to decisions that do not adequately address issues important to women, such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities,” she said. Nawalowalo added that decisions made in such meetings might not be truly representative of the entire community without women’s participation.
The representative also pointed out that women’s unique insights and experiences could contribute to more balanced and effective decision-making processes. She acknowledged that various barriers, including cultural norms, lack of awareness, transportation issues, or exclusionary practices, might prevent women from attending these meetings.
Addressing these barriers, Nawalowalo emphasized, is essential to ensuring equal participation in decision-making processes and achieving a more inclusive representation.