The 2024 Women’s Mock Parliament in Fiji brought together 55 participants from various regions, including Labasa, Koro, and Ovalau, creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and hope. The event aimed to advocate for greater female representation in parliament as part of a broader effort to ensure that the legislative body addresses the needs of the nation.
The Mock Parliament kicked off with a welcome gala dinner on July 28, where attendees heard speeches from donor agencies highlighting the event’s significance and the extensive planning required to execute it successfully. This initial gathering allowed participants to make first impressions, which would evolve throughout the program.
The first two days were packed with informative sessions that covered the parliamentary process, policy-making skills, and practical exercises designed to prepare the participants for their sessions in the Parliament Chamber. Participants were able to choose to align with either the Government or Opposition, but the allocation of ministerial roles revealed underlying biases and existing dynamics among the group.
The third and final day of the program took place entirely in the Parliament Chamber, where participants presented their views on one of three motions aimed at addressing issues like maternal healthcare funding in rural areas, environmental conservation impacts on women, and enhancing women’s representation in decision-making processes.
The discussions showcased a range of personal experiences among the participants, reframing common challenges such as maternal healthcare into specific issues faced by different women across Fiji. Jacinta Renu, representing Labasa, highlighted the struggles of pregnant women in remote areas who must navigate difficult conditions to access necessary health services.
Emotional moments unfolded as participants congratulated each other and engaged in heartfelt conversations about shared experiences during breaks. This camaraderie emphasized the importance of understanding one another, regardless of differences, as many issues perceived as women’s or rural challenges are, in fact, national concerns relevant to all citizens.
The discussions underscored the need for increased female representation in parliament to ensure comprehensive representation of the populace.
Participants, such as Shivashni Dutt, Raniyah Muhammed, and Losana Derenalagi, voiced their commitment to pursuing leadership roles and contributing to decision-making processes at various levels. They expressed that women’s perspectives are essential for fostering inclusive governance and addressing complex societal challenges.
As the Mock Parliament concluded, the hope is that this platform will inspire more initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s engagement in leadership roles throughout Fiji.