Women can create an impact in policy, decision-making and playing a pivotal role in serving or managing the affairs of the vanua.

These were the sentiments by a few women at the public consulta­tion session on the Great Council of Chief review at the St Michael Catholic Hall in Nadi on Tuesday.

GCC review team leader, Dr Jone Baledrokadroka, has divided a gen­der group session which allows some women to raise their submis­sions.

During a women’s session, Susana Sucuturaga said there was a need for more women in the GCC leader­ship.

“We understand that we are in a patriarchal society, but women in leadership affects all areas and they play a huge role in serving the af­fairs of the vanua,” she said.

“When there is any traditional oc­casion, the woman ensures every­thing is in order.”

Elenoa Daunivalu said if more women representative from each province could be included in the GCC.

“We are suggesting a gender bal­ance in our iTaukei leadership,” she said.

Marisio Bogiso said if there was a GCC there should be transparency with our leaders.

“Maybe there is a live recording like what used to be done in parlia­ment sittings,” she said.

“We should watch it on TV, the live recording of their meeting,” she said. Karolina Lala suggested GCC, leaders should set good examples at academic level, their moral behav­iour and in their works.

Story By: Mereleki Nai

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