During a recent session of the Youth Parliament in Fiji, lively debates emerged as youth leaders discussed the potential establishment of a National Youth Gender Equality Program. Opposition Member Ulamila Biudole voiced her concerns over the motion. While she supports gender equality, Biudole cautioned against the creation of additional layers of bureaucracy with a new program, emphasizing that Fiji already possesses strong frameworks in this area. She pointed to the existing National Gender Policy, Women’s Plan of Action, and the National Youth Policy, alongside international commitments, which all work toward gender equality for the youth.
Biudole argued that the focus should be on enhancing coordination, monitoring, and accountability within these existing policies instead of launching new, potentially costly initiatives. She highlighted that prioritizing gender could inadvertently overlook other disadvantaged groups, such as persons with disabilities and marginalized rural communities. Biudole advocates for an inclusive approach that addresses multiple dimensions of inequality, warning that narrowing youth empowerment to gender alone might exclude other vulnerable groups.
Furthermore, she questioned the effectiveness of such standalone programs, arguing that they often lead to token gestures without tackling structural issues like unequal pay, job scarcity, and cultural stereotypes. Given the economic recovery challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and climate disasters, Biudole urged the government to allocate limited resources to strengthen existing youth and gender initiatives. She also called for improvements in school facilities, affordable transport, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Biudole underscored the importance of grassroots solutions, asserting that real progress stems from community support, local leadership, and cultural change within families and schools, rather than dictated by top-down national initiatives.
This debate resonates with broader discussions on women’s representation in Fiji’s political landscape. Previous dialogues have underscored obstacles such as societal norms, limited female representation in politics, and the need for supportive measures like mentorship and quotas to increase gender equality. Collectively, these conversations emphasize the importance of inclusive strategies that account for the diverse challenges faced by different segments of the youth and women in Fiji, aiming for a progressive and united society. This approach reflects optimism and hope for a future where all voices are heard and empowered.
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