Women meet to discuss AGM issue, their involvement in politics

The SODELPA Women’s Council met on Thursday to discuss the postponement of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), a repercussion of the SODELPA court judgment.

Vice president, Tanya Waqanika, who chaired the meeting said though the council currently does not have a president, they are mandated under their Constitution to meet twice a year.

The position of president was last held by the late Marama Radini ni Yavusa o Kalabu who passed away last year.

A new president will be elected by the council members in the next AGM which will be decided once there’s certainty of when the party’s AGM will be held.

“The 2022 elections is just around the corner. Come 2021 or even earlier, all political parties will be identifying their political candidates. Given my experience in the 2018 elections, if you want to be involved or be a candidate for the 2022 elections, get involved now in your respective political parties. Beseen, be active, be relevant, be heard and be consistent,” Ms Waqanika said.

“In politics, we can “agree to disagree”. What is important is communication, respect for each other, listening to each other and being able to contribute constructively to issues.”

Other issues

She said apart from discussions about the recent SODELPA civil court case, another issue that was stressed is the need for more involvement of women in politics.

“It was good to see our representatives from Serua, Nadroga, Nadi, Lautoka, Rewa, Tailevu South, Naitasiri, Nasinu, Lau, Lomaiviti, Suva attend,” she said.

“Respecting the social gathering restrictions, we managed to get a quorum and maintain social distancing in our meeting.”

The other executives of the council include Mere Samisoni, as the other vice president, secretary, Emele Duituturaga, treasurer, Georgina Pareti-Rawalai and Adi Miliakere Lewere, Jokapeci Peau and Acalia Dokonivalu.