The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has emphasized the urgency of transforming societal norms and power structures that perpetuate gender inequality. During a recent update to Parliament regarding the Gender Transformative Institutional Capacity Development initiative, she highlighted the significance of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign as a pivotal opportunity to address violence, advocate for respect, and unite efforts to safeguard women and girls.
Kiran stated that the Gender Transformative Institutional Capacity Development Initiative is instrumental in the government’s commitment to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and gender-responsive public sector. The first phase of this initiative was carried out between 2021 and 2023, focusing on nine pilot ministries and agencies, including the Fiji Police Force. She acknowledged vital financial and technical support from the governments of New Zealand and Canada, as well as assistance from the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, which served as a civil society technical support partner.
The first phase achieved notable milestones, including enhancing the competencies of officers across the pilot agencies, establishing Gender Mainstreaming Action Groups (GMAGs), developing gender sensitization toolkits, producing gender budget analysis products, and creating COVID-19 risk management work plans that incorporated rapid gender analyses across sectors such as education, agriculture, and tourism, among others.
As preparations begin for the second phase, Kiran pointed out critical lessons learned that will shape future efforts. A significant takeaway was the overwhelming demand for support, which surpassed the ministry’s staffing capabilities. Additionally, there is a recognized need to improve monitoring and evaluation systems to better assess the impact of activities and trainings on institutional change and behavioral transformation.
Kiran noted challenges faced by several ministries in functionalizing their Gender Mainstreaming Action Groups, emphasizing that without adequate technical guidance, their plans could not be effectively integrated. Furthermore, she highlighted inconsistencies in coordination across government entities regarding gender mainstreaming and gender-responsive budgeting, calling for a more structured collaboration.
These insights will guide the redesign of Phase Two, slated for implementation from 2025 to 2030. The next phase aims to ensure that all Fijians—women, girls, men, and boys—are recognized with equal value, rights to freedom from discrimination, and equitable opportunities to take part in and benefit from national development initiatives.
Kiran’s dedication to addressing gender disparities and her collaborative approach towards reform give hope for a brighter, more inclusive future in Fiji, reflecting a strong commitment to gender equity at all levels of society.