Vuniwaqa: Still a lot to overcome
WHILE there has been an increase in the number of women in leadership roles, a lot more needs to be done, says Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Minister Mereseini Vuniwaqa.
She made the comment at the National Forum On Women In Politics in Suva yesterday.
She said women still had a lot to overcome, many voids to fill, much to change around social norms, gender biases and stereotypes to ensure equal representation and participation in the political space.
Mrs Vuniwaqa said global evidence confirmed that policy priorities were impacted depending on the gender of legislators.
“Hence, more women are elected to office, there is a corollary increase in policy making that emphasises quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, and ethnic and racial minorities,” she said.
Mrs Vuniwaqa called for action to raise awareness to invigorate women leadership in all spaces.
“We need more women in politics, of all ages, from grassroots movements to the highest government levels.
“This is not an easy task. But if there is someone who knows about battles and struggles, it is us, women.
“The rights we have, we have conquered in long and intense battles.”
Mrs Vuniwaqa lamented the fact that Pacific Island nations were lagging when it came to women’s representation and participation in politics.
We need more women in politics, of all ages, from grassroots movements to the highest government levels – Mereseini Vuniwaqa