The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) has united with civil society organizations throughout Asia and the Pacific to advocate for the improvement of justice systems for women and girls. During high-level regional discussions held in Bangkok, Thailand, FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh emphasized the pressing need for these justice systems to be more robust and accessible.
With over 25 years of experience in women’s rights advocacy, Singh highlighted the complex realities Pacific women face as they navigate various justice systems, including police, courts, customary authorities, and religious leaders. Unfortunately, the lack of coordination among these entities often leads to women falling through gaps in the system, especially in scenarios where reconciliation is prioritized over accountability. This fragmentation can result in cases being referred, deferred, or informally settled, leaving many women without the protection and justice they need.
Singh is advocating for practical reforms aimed at enhancing frontline responses that assist women in navigating these intricate justice frameworks. She stresses that the focus should not be on creating new laws but rather on ensuring existing laws are enforced in a manner that guarantees safety and consistency for women.
Echoing Singh’s sentiments, Noelene Nabulivou, Executive Director of Diva for Equality, called for governments in the Asia-Pacific region to support an International Decade to Advance Access to Justice for Women and Girls, proposed for the years 2027 to 2036. This initiative seeks to bolster global efforts aimed at improving women’s access to justice.
The outcomes from these Asia-Pacific meetings will serve as a foundation for future advocacy efforts at the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), where access to justice for women and girls is a key global priority. The collective efforts of these organizations signal a hopeful step toward achieving a more equitable justice system for women and girls across the region.