Equality, dignity, and respect for all
AS we mark "International Women's Day" I am reminded of the remarkable progress women have made throughout history, from securing the right to vote to breaking down barriers in the workplace.
I am also reminded that I stand on the shoulders of many women that have come before me and have paved the way for me to be in the position that I am in today— people like Irene Jai Narayan, Taufa Vakatale, Na Marama Bale na Rokotui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, Amelia Rokotuivuna, Shamima Ali, Sharon Bhagwan Rolls, Dr Padma Lal and many others.
However, despite how proud I am of our progress as a society, despite our accomplishments — we still have so much work to do.
Fiji still has some of the highest numbers of reported cases of gender-based-violence in the region.
The rise of social media has taken some of that abuse online with even female members of Parliament becoming targets.
I am one of only five women in Fiji's parliament today compared to 11 in December, 2020.
I must quote here the #NotTheCost: Qualitative Research Report on Violence Against Women in Politics in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands, supported by the National Democratic Institute & FemLink Pacific, dated January 19, 2021.
"Women are historically underrepresented in politics in the Pacific Islands and Fiji is no exception.
At the same time, women in all three countries experience shocking levels of violence, in the home and in public.
The convergence of traditional patriarchal gender stereotypes and societies accustomed to genderbased violence prevents women from claiming their political rights in democratic processes."
"Unsurprisingly, in countries where families and communities tolerate and perpetuate genderbased violence, the perpetrators of VAW-P include women, as well as men."
I salute Fiji's civil society organisations, their leaders, members and activists who for decades have worked for equality, dignity and respect for all.
With my new responsibilities since coming into government, I have found very quickly to expect my phone to ring at any time of the day or night, and that people will just show up at the office unannounced and unexpected.
I understand that for that person, their issue is the most important in the world and they must be given the time and opportunity to be heard.
In that respect I am blessed to be surrounded by highly knowledgeable civil servants in both the ministries in which I serve, as well as in Parliament, who I look to for advice.
I do have to remind myself regularly however that I am only human, that I too need to rest and to look after myself spiritually, mentally and physically.
I would be replaced very quickly if for some reason I dropped out of Parliament, but I am irreplaceable to my family, so my priorities need to be right in order to do my job to the best of my ability.