Fiji is renewing its dedication to achieving gender equality, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasizing the importance of empowering women, asserting that this goal must neither be delayed nor questioned. At the United Nations General Assembly during the High-Level Meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, Rabuka highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women, including violence, discrimination, and inequality, despite their vital societal roles.
Rabuka declared the Beijing Conference a significant milestone in the global advocacy for women’s rights, stating that it continues to inform worldwide efforts towards equality and empowerment. As evidence of Fiji’s progress in safeguarding women, children, and workers, he cited the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act 2009, the Child Welfare Act 2010, and the Employment Relations Act.
The Prime Minister stressed the necessity for political commitment and leadership, aiming to embed gender equality into governmental systems while enhancing the capability of the Department of Women, Children, and Social Protection. Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s dedication to the Beijing Platform for Action’s prioritized areas, which include mitigating poverty, advancing education and health, boosting economic empowerment, and eradicating violence against women.
Rabuka expressed a vision for a future in which gender equality in Fiji becomes a realized standard rather than merely an aspiration, ensuring the country’s daughters inherit a more balanced society. The Beijing Platform for Action serves as a global blueprint, outlining priorities like political participation and health, essential for women’s advancement.
This renewed effort comes in a broader context where Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya, has echoed similar sentiments at international forums. Despite progress highlighted by measures such as women forming 57% of tertiary graduates, challenges remain. These challenges, including deep-rooted patriarchy and gender-based violence, necessitate systemic interventions, including the upcoming five-year gender equality accountability initiative.
With continuous emphasis on initiatives against gender-based violence and the promotion of women’s roles in leadership and economic spheres, Fiji’s proactive approach to gender equality development promises notable advancements. This ongoing commitment signifies potential for substantial progress in improving the lives of women and girls across Fiji, aiming for a society where gender equality is naturally embedded in everyday practice.