We want to see more women elected to Parliament and also taking on leadership roles whether it is in government, business or in the community.

These were the words of Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, Natasha Stott Despoja, to the staff of the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation yesterday. Other women’s groups’ representatives were also there.

“I strongly believe that there is a need to host a regional dialogue in Fiji with business representatives, entrepreneurs and community organisations to discuss ways to eliminate violence against women,” Ms Despoja said.

She said over the next five years the Australian government would provide $2.2 million in aid which would be distributed amongst Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

“The money will boost the economic empowerment of women and for the development of women’s projects.”

Ms Despoja said it was important to discuss how violence against women impacted on the private sector and the response of businesses to this violence.

She said there was a need to create more awareness through advocacy programmes and inform more women on laws that help them.
The ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr Josefa Koroivueta, said this was a timely opportunity to raise with them the reality of violence affecting girls and women.

Feedback: zafiya.shamim@fijisun.com.fj