The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) has called for the Draft Education Bill 2025 to include clearer legal protections to ensure the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of girls within educational environments. In a recent presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights in Suva, FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh highlighted that, while the Bill aims to modernize Fiji’s educational frameworks, it lacks robust provisions to tackle the pressing social and health issues confronting children today.
Singh argues that educational legislation needs to go beyond general principles, incorporating enforceable protections that accurately reflect the realities students, especially girls, face. A critical issue raised by FWRM is the absence of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) requirements in the draft. Singh cited concerning statistics that revealed Fiji experienced 1,583 new HIV cases in 2024, a staggering 13-fold increase compared to the five-year average. Alarmingly, 41 percent of these cases were reported among children aged 15 or younger, indicating a disturbing rise from the previous year.
Research shows that access to appropriate sexuality education can lead to better health and safety outcomes for young people. Singh stressed that evidence from global studies indicates that high-quality, comprehensive sexuality education does not encourage early sexual activity but is linked to delayed initiation and increased safe practices.
Furthermore, FWRM highlighted significant gaps in the Bill, particularly regarding water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) standards, which are essential for girls’ educational participation. Singh revealed that in 2025, 45 percent of female students in primary and secondary schools dropped out, largely due to sanitation issues. Challenges such as inadequate access to clean toilets and proper menstrual hygiene disposal are critical factors contributing to absenteeism.
Singh emphasized that a lack of specific measures for menstrual hygiene management would hinder compliance with established standards. Many schools are grappling with non-functioning taps and unsanitary restroom facilities, worsening the situation. From 2020 to 2024, Fiji recorded 7,283 crimes against children, with girls making up 70 percent of victims, predominantly adolescents aged 13 to 17.
In relation to safeguarding, Singh insisted that schools must establish robust protection systems manned by trained professionals instead of overburdening teachers. She stressed that ensuring safety for children in schools should be a fundamental aspect of the educational system.
Additionally, FWRM advocates for mandatory Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) training for all education sector employees and the placement of professional, gender-sensitive counselors in schools. The organization also calls for explicit legal provisions that accommodate students with disabilities.
Singh raised concerns regarding punitive measures in the Bill that could criminalize parents for not sending their children to school. She argued that such measures might ignore the structural barriers faced by parents, including economic hardship and safety issues.
Concluding her remarks, Singh urged lawmakers to embrace a rights-based and supportive approach in educational reform, emphasizing that clearer safeguards in the Bill could significantly bolster protections for all children in Fiji. By addressing these fundamental issues, there is a promising opportunity for fostering more inclusive and equitable educational experiences for every child, particularly girls, who continue to encounter significant challenges.