Ulamila Cakau has made a passionate and urgent call to women, encouraging them to fully embrace their roles at home to foster positive changes within their communities.
Speaking as the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection at the 2024 Fiji Women’s Mock Parliament, Mrs. Cakau expressed a personal belief that this approach could be transformative for women globally.
She highlighted that by committing to their roles as mothers and community members, women can transform their homes, subsequently addressing societal issues like drug abuse and other social problems.
Mrs. Cakau pointed out that the home is a “safe space” where women hold significant influence.
“In this home, you and I have power and authority. We have the time and ability to make a difference within our families and our nation,” she stated.
“In this space, it is up to us to make our marriage work, in this space we birth and nurture our babies, in this space we teach, teach and teach again,” she added.
“We teach values, God and love, wisdom, knowledge and understanding, kindness, respect and humility. Ladies present and watching today, how do we do this? We need time, understanding, grace and commitment. We must walk the talk.”
Mrs. Cakau emphasized the importance of consistency between words and actions, noting that children are quick to spot discrepancies.
“Get off the phone, get off social media ladies! Get your children off social media, get them to read. In the critical years of our children, we must pay the price, we must make time.”
“Let’s do it ladies, let’s return to the four walls of our homes, make a difference, and emerge victorious.”
Mrs. Cakau’s message was clear: by dedicating themselves to their roles within the home, women can effect significant societal change and emerge successful in their efforts.