gender equality
-

First Fiji local elections since 2005 set for September, with push to boost women’s representation
Fiji gears up for its first local elections in 21 years, with a renewed push to widen women’s representation at the municipal level. An extensive awareness drive and upcoming registration period signal a pivotal September race where communities will shape their leaders.
-

Fiji Expands Legal Aid and Rural Access to Boost Women’s Access to Justice at UN CSW70
Despite stronger protections for women, Fiji still faces barriers to justice—distance, cost, and limited legal awareness keep many from seeking redress. Officials warn of a surge in online gender-based violence and urge reforms that bring services closer to rural communities, turning legal protections into real-world results for women and girls.
-

Commonwealth Secretary-General Calls for Bold Multilateral Reform and Urgent Gender Equality Action at CFAMM London
Commonwealth Secretary‑General Shirley Botchwey says the current global order is failing people and calls for a bold, action‑oriented upgrade to how nations work together. She flags gender equality as a central test of transformation and urges concrete steps to unlock the Commonwealth’s shared economic potential.
-

UN Women warns of widening global justice gap for women as conflicts surge and civic space shrinks
When justice isn’t equal, communities bear the cost. A new analysis reveals a widening gap in women’s access to rights and essential services, driven by conflict, shifting norms, and gaps in law and implementation. It outlines a bold, multi-faceted path for reform that could reshape safety, accountability, and everyday life for women and girls.
-

Papua New Guinea to Ban Future Polygamous Marriages by 2030 in Consultative Reform Plan
Papua New Guinea is weighing a policy that could end polygamy, framed as a step to strengthen families and protect women and children. A forthcoming policy paper outlines a phased approach—driven by consultations and legislation—with a potential timeline around 2030. The move acknowledges cultural complexity while signaling a path toward greater gender equality.
-

Levukana Shall Rise: Women Lead Sustainable Farming in Fiji Village as Men Share Duties and Boost Local Income
Women in Levukana Village on Vanuabalavu are stepping into the fields beside men as a local development programme overturns decades of gender norms. Levukana Shall Rise trains women in farming, land rights and finance, turning subsistence labour into income and reshaping village leadership—one harvest at a time.
-

Fiji’s Ra Naari Parishad pilots gender-inclusive agri-tourism with YGAP accelerator
From a welcoming community space in Ra to a bold, women‑led agri‑tourism venture, Ra Naari Parishad is blending culture with sustainable livelihoods. With YGAP mentorship and a focus on inclusivity, the initiative aims to empower women across Ra province while showcasing local heritage and farming.
