Fiji Young Womens Forum Launches Voter Guidebook

The Fiji Young Women’s Forum (FYWF) yesterday launched a guidebook targeted to help young women in the up-coming general elections.

‘My Guide to Vote’ was conceptualized as a direct response to addressing the lack of voter and electoral information from young women’s perspectives.

The launch was sponsored by US Aid through The Pacific Community (formerly SPC) Co-convenor for FYWF, Vilimaina Tamata said women, particularly young women have a history of being excluded from participating in politics all over the world.

“There are so few women representing their challenges faced by young diverse women, and holding leadership positions,” Ms Tamata said.

While speaking at the launch, United States of America (USA) AID Deputy Chief of Mission, Rebbecca Owens commended the forum.

“Here in Fiji, we are aware that many young women will be first time voters and the ‘My Guide to vote’ booklet that we are launching today (yesterday) will help educate young women voters on the right to vote,” she said.

Ms Tamata said the booklet was established at the second FYWF session in 2014, Development of the booklet was then focused on providing information on voting and political participation of young women in Fiji’s election process.

“This guide will empower young diverse women to understand that their vote is their own,” she said.

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj