Transformative Change in Fiji

In her opening address to the young women participating in a recent Fiji Young Women’s Forum political leadership workshop, the Speaker of the House of Fiji’s Parliament, Hon. Jiko Luveni, acknowledged Fiji’s exemplary progress in the representation of women in Parliament. Luveni mentioned notable achievements of Fijian women in recent times, highlighting Ro Temumu Kepa’s rise to become the first female Leader of the Opposition, four women with portfolios in government, two Ministers, two Assistant Ministers and two members of the Cabinet.

The political landscape is changing in Fiji as more and more women actively engage with a domain that was traditionally considered a man’s space. Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program partners Emerging Young Leaders Forum and Fiji Women’s Rights Movement have worked together to facilitate leadership workshops in the lead up to the recent 2014 elections and continue to do so to prepare the next generation of leaders.

While the progress is slow and women’s representation in Fijian Parliament remains well below parity, Fiji is leading by example.