‘Space for Civil Society’

IWDA partners with local civil society organisations to implement the Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program. CSOs play a crucial role in mediating between the state and citizens and elevating the concerns of marginalised identities. Earlier this year, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) opened up the forum to include local community groups, civil society organisation and other non-profit organisations. For the first time, the PIFS included external stakeholders in discussions and negotiations, which is a positive step in the development of an inclusive framework.

“[Civil societies] have an important role to play in advocating for a truly participatory democracy. We bring in the voices of marginalized groups, including young women, those from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, intersex and queer community, and others who have far less access to decision-making processes.” – Tara Chetty, Executive Director of Fiji Women’s Rights Movement

Read Tara Chetty’s full speech presented on the panel for the International Day of Democracy.