Gender Inclusive Governance: A Call From Rural Women
Monday 18 March 2013
“What makes women leadership different - women not only can manage homes but also the country”
There is therefore a need to continue civic education programmes particularly to increase awareness and use of human
rights treaties and commitments at the community and sub-national level. Civic education must also reach women where
they are - in their clubs and groups.
That was the clear message from women leaders including young women from across Nadi who participated in
FemLINKPACIFIC’s first "Not Just Sweet Talk: Here are the Women" simulcast for 2013 on Friday March 15th made possible
with the support of the European Union and International Women's Development Agency as well as the American Bar
Association - Rule of Law Initiative.
According to Losana Derenalagi, President for Nawaka Women’s Club training programmes which engage with women in their
communities can be an important transformation tool:
“There is a perception that women were ignorant of the constitution making process but this is not the case, women just
did not have access to information to be inclusive in this processes”, said Derenalagi who trained 300 as part of the
Fiji Women's Forum civic education programme.
She also reiterated the called for 50 – 50 representation in all decision making processes adding that it should start
from the Bose va Koro and also be integrated at provincial level.
23 year old Swastika Sroopa, the Secretary of the Shiu Shakti Women’s club said that women are better managers and take
into consideration everyone’s needs: "and (so) if we have equal number of women leaders, we will be able to see change."
Meanwhile 62 year old Meri Draunimasi, a retired school teacher and a member of the Yavusania Women’s Club said that the
mindset in the communities need to be changed, then only can the mindset of the nation change that women are much more
capable.
Reaffirming the principles of the Fiji Women's Forum the simulcast heard that effective political participation requires
investment in gender mainstreaming throughout the government system and inclusive information and communication systems
so that all levels of society, particularly women, young people and persons with disabilities can participate in
decision-making.
Ongoing civic education according to Rohini Singh, Treasurer of Votualevu Kindergarten Mother’s Club can assist all
voters better understand the political systems including ensuring elected officials represent their constituents.
For 20 year old Sereana Laulaba of the Nadi Youth Council the participation of young people need to be included in
political education.
The simulcast heard that access to affordable tertiary education and employment was a youth priority.
Through the simulcast, these women leaders talked of political processes to be participatory and not leave women out as
they want to be included and can contribute effectively towards Nation building.
The simulcast also heard women call for gender inclusive National Budgets with greater emphasis on women’s health and
personal security through investment in the improvements to rural hospitals and the establishment of well equipped
police posts in every community.
There is also a need to clarify the availability of pre-school education facilities particularly to ensure equitable
access for rural children.
Other development priorities include improvements to water supply and drainage.
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Sharon Bhagwan-Rolls, Executive Director: FemLINKPacific (www.femlinkpacific.org.fj)
ENDS