More Women Representation Needed in Provincial Council Meetings, Says Kadavu Representative
Salote Nawalowalo, a representative for Kadavu women, called for greater female representation during the Kadavu Provincial Council meeting in Suva yesterday. She emphasized the importance of including women in decision-making processes.
“To be seated in a meeting that concerns the welfare of individuals back on the island, it saddens me that women are not there to voice their opinions and concerns,” Nawalowalo stated.
“There are only two women here, and there are a lot of districts in Kadavu, but fewer women to uphold positions in crucial decision making.”
Nawalowalo raised concerns about the welfare of women in rural communities, highlighting that their perspectives and needs are often overlooked when they are not present in village meetings.
“This can lead to decisions that do not adequately address issues important to women, such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities,” she said. “Without women’s participation, decisions made in these meetings may not be truly representative of the entire community.”
She believes that women bring unique insights and experiences that contribute to more balanced and effective decision-making processes.
“There could be various reasons why women are not attending these meetings, including cultural norms, lack of awareness, transportation issues, or even exclusionary practices. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensuring equal participation,” Nawalowalo concluded.