On International Women’s Day, the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) emphasized the vital, yet often overlooked, unpaid care work performed by women in Fiji with a concert held in Suva. The event served as a platform for musicians, activists, and community members to celebrate women’s resilience while raising awareness about enduring gender inequalities.
FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh addressed the gathering, urging attendees to keep the celebration centered on advancing women’s rights and tackling structural barriers that hinder gender equality. She stated that International Women’s Day should not just commemorate progress but also scrutinize ongoing issues such as gender-based violence, economic disparities, unequal political representation, and the burdens of unpaid care work.
Singh underscored the importance of accountability among those in power and the need to uplift the voices and leadership of women, particularly from marginalized groups. She expressed concern that the day’s original meaning has been compromised by commercialization, reducing it to corporate tactics, promotional offers, or superficial gestures.
“The real spirit of the day is not symbolic empowerment; it is structural transformation,” Singh asserted. She warned that certain themes associated with the day do not stem from the women’s movement or the United Nations, risking a diversion from authentic advocacy.
In the Pacific region, significant gender challenges persist, including elevated rates of gender-based violence, gaps in economic participation, and the adverse effects of climate change that disproportionately impact women. Singh highlighted the importance of increasing female representation in leadership roles and ensuring access to comprehensive sexuality education as vital priorities for future advancement.
“Ultimately, International Women’s Day is a checkpoint and a catalyst,” Singh stated. “It asks: Where are we? Who is being left behind? What must change now? The real focus is not flowers—definitely not cake—it is freedom.”
This celebration of women’s rights serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of women and the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition in society, offering hope for future advancements in the fight against gender disparities.