Female Candidates for Fiji Presidency
Dr Jiko Luveni, Nazhat Shameem and Adi Koila Nailatikau are regarded as potential contenders for Fiji Presidency. Dr Luveni currently holds the position as Speaker of the House and is an influential figure in her own right. Earlier this year, Hon. Luveni addressed the Fiji Young Women’s Forum and emphasised the importance of women’s involvement in the democratic process.
Nazhat Shameem is the Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations Office in Geneva, with a comprehensive resume and a background in law. Adi Koila Nailatikau is also a legal practitioner, the current chair of a successful investment company, Yatu Lau Company Limited – and the former Minister of Tourism in the Chaudhry government.
This impressive trio are paving the way for women in Pacific politics. Regardless of the result, the political landscape is changing for women in Fiji. Now, more than ever, the concept of women in leadership is becoming more widely accepted. IWDA’s Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program has been working with local partners in Fiji to support women in pursuing leadership, particularly in the lead up to the 2014 elections.
