The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has stressed the urgent need to transform societal norms and power structures that fuel gender inequality. In a recent address to Parliament regarding the Gender Transformative Institutional Capacity Development initiative, she underscored the significance of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign as a critical moment to combat violence against women and girls, advocating for respect while rallying collective efforts to safeguard their rights.
Kiran described the Gender Transformative Institutional Capacity Development Initiative as a key component in the government’s pledge to promote a fair, inclusive, and gender-responsive public sector. The initiative’s first phase, which ran from 2021 to 2023, encompassed nine pilot ministries and agencies, inclusive of the Fiji Police Force. She acknowledged substantial support from New Zealand and Canada, complemented by assistance from the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, which acted as a civil society technical support partner.
The initial phase yielded important achievements, including the enhancement of officers’ competencies within the pilot agencies, the establishment of Gender Mainstreaming Action Groups (GMAGs), and the development of gender sensitization toolkits. Furthermore, the initiative produced gender budget analysis products and devised COVID-19 risk management work plans that integrated rapid gender analyses across various sectors, including education, agriculture, and tourism.
As the groundwork for the second phase of the initiative begins, Kiran reflected on valuable lessons learned during the first phase. A primary observation was the high demand for support, which exceeded the capacity of the ministry’s existing staff. Additionally, she acknowledged the need for improving monitoring and evaluation systems to effectively measure the impact of activities and training on institutional changes and behavioral shifts.
Kiran pointed out obstacles faced by certain ministries in operationalizing their Gender Mainstreaming Action Groups, noting that without sufficient technical guidance, their initiatives could not be successfully implemented. She also discussed discrepancies in coordination among government entities regarding gender mainstreaming and gender-responsive budgeting, calling for enhanced collaborative efforts.
These insights are expected to inform the redesign of Phase Two, scheduled to take place from 2025 to 2030. The upcoming phase aims to ensure that all individuals in Fiji—regardless of gender—are valued equally and granted the rights to freedom from discrimination and equitable opportunities to engage in and benefit from national development initiatives.
Kiran’s unwavering commitment to tackling gender disparities and her collaborative approach to reform inspire hope for a more inclusive future in Fiji, showcasing a strong determination to achieve gender equity across all facets of society.