Support women leaders, says Kiran

ASSISTANT Minister for Women Sashi Kiran is calling on women to stand up for women leaders in solidarity and support.

She said “it’s already a struggle for a woman considering the sacrifices made to get into these positions”.

“I will not be able to comment on the Tabuya (Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya) issue but one thing I am going to say is it’s not easy for a woman to take a step into leadership,” she said.

“National leadership is one of the hardest spaces to be in.

“We have only five women in Parliament and it’s a struggle for any woman, and women sacrifice a lot to get into these positions.

“It’s too easy for us to criticise and judge women.

“Life is already quite a challenge and I ask for solidarity for women in leadership spaces.”

Ms Kiran said she could not comment on the internal issues Ms Tabuya faced with her The People’s Alliance party.

“Therefore, I cannot comment on the specific issue between Ms Tabuya and her party but we have to tread carefully because none of us have seen anything.

“We are all making assumptions. And as we continue to make assumptions, we continue to judge.

“So while it is within their own party, I plead for women to stand up for women and provide solidarity and support for women in leadership.”

This week PA general secretary Usaia Waqatairewa released a statement on the removal of Ms Tabuya as deputy party leader, saying it was linked to personal misconduct during an overseas trip last year.

He said the party’s executive council made the decision considering the impact it could have on the party’s reputation.

National leadership is one of the hardest spaces to be in – Sashi Kiran