Tabuya flags gender inequality challenges
FIJI’s political empowerment index has been ranked 139th at the Global Gender Gap Report 2024.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Lynda Tabuya, while speaking at the opening of the PaciƝc Women Leaders Program at the Grand PaciƝc Hotel in Suva on Tuesday, highlighted that according to the UN SDG Indicator Dashboard, women hold approximately 25.6 per cent of seats in national parliaments globally, while Fiji lags behind at a mere 10 per cent.
“Furthermore, women’s participation in the formal economy and labour force is signiƝcantly lower than that of men, with most working Fijian women engaged in informal employment that lacks job security, provides irregular income, and offers no social protection,” Ms Tabuya said.
“And violence against women and girls is still pervasive, with appallingly high rates of sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence.”
She said HIV/Aids among women was on the rise and cancers of reproductive organs, particularly breast and cervical cancer, were the leading causes of death related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Fijian women.
“All these challenges are happening against the backdrop of the climate crisis, which poses an enormous threat to our region.
“The climate crisis exacerbates gender inequality on a daily basis, disproportionately affecting women and girls in all their diversity.
“In this context, I often wonder what it will take for Fiji and our Blue PaciƝc to truly manifest gender equality and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Where do we begin this essential transformation? What must we do in Fiji to translate the 54 per cent of university graduates into leadership positions and increased labour force participation.”
Ms Tabuya said the journey towards gender equality requires the active participation of everyone in society – men and women alike.
“By challenging existing norms and creating a supportive environment for all, we can ensure that every woman and girl in all diversity has the opportunity to thrive and lead.”