Women ‘integral’ in society
WOMEN are an integral part of human society, says Chinese Women Fiji Union president Wendy Fang.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day joint celebration with the Fiji Police Force Southern Division in Nabua yesterday, Ms Fang said despite the advancement the country had made over the past decade, women still faced challenges and difficulties.
“In some parts of Fiji, women’s rights and status are restricted and they still face barriers to equal access to education, employment and political participation,” she said.
“In the workplace, they may experience discrimination and unfair treatment.
“In addition, women can face prejudice and discrimination in certain areas, which not only causes distress to them, but also limits the development of society.”
Ms Fang said women contributed immensely to their families, societies and nation.
“They played an important role in childbearing, family care, work and social life, and their labour and wisdom are key to the progress and development of society.
“Over the past three years, Fiji and the Chinese community have worked together to fight the epidemic and now we hope to be able to give more care to women.
“We need to promote an equal, just and inclusive social environment that fosters the equal participation and development of women.
“We need to support women’s education, career development and entrepreneurship so that they can realise their full potential and talents.
“We need to respect the rights and dignity of women and eliminate discrimination and prejudice against them.
“That is what our event today is all about, caring for women and creating a better Fijian community.”
Ms Fang said she hoped the Chinese Women Fiji Union would build closer ties with the Fiji Police Force.
“I hope that today is the beginning of a great day and to create a more harmonious community environment.
“On this special day of International Women’s Day, we should remember the contributions and struggles of women and work together to create a better future.”
Meanwhile, the Chinese Women Fiji Union gave two computer sets, one laptop, two buckets of paint, two emergency lights, twelve chairs and ten boxes of sanitary napkin to the Fiji Police Force Southern Division.