FWCC labels Qoibau yaqona ban on women as 'discriminatory'

A decision by the district (tikina) leaders of Qoibau, Macuata to stop women from drinking yaqona has drawn criticism from the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC).

FWCC labels the decision “discriminatory.”

Its co-ordinator Shamima Ali said any such ban should apply equally to men, or not at all.

She said gender-based restrictions undermined decades of progress in women’s rights.

“It is outrageous that women still have to go through discriminatory practices such as this in this modern day and age,” she said.

Ms Ali claimed the decision could hinder Fiji’s commitment to international conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

She said despite significant efforts by Government and civil societies to advance gender equality, practices such as the Qoibau decision revealed persistent inequalities.

Ms Ali said local by-laws and traditional policies must align with national legislation and constitutional protections.

“Fiji’s Constitution guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination based on gender. Such measures should not be over-ridden in the name of culture or tradition.”

Ms Ali warned that limiting women’s participation in social practices risked reinforcing harmful gender dynamics in a society already grappling with entrenched patriarchy.

“Allowing such practices to continue will only deepen inequality and could contribute to increased violence against women and girls,” she said.

Beyond the immediate issue, Ms Ali questioned the broader national focus, highlighting pressing challenges such as drug abuse, rising cases of HIV and AIDS, and non-communicable diseases. She also pointed to global uncertainties, including conflict in the Middle East, which could have economic repercussions for Fiji.

“We should be addressing these critical issues rather than policing women,” she said.

Nadogo district rep in Macuata, Ranadiceve Raluna, said equality in village by-laws should be explored.

Ms Raluna said while she agrees mothers need to concentrate on child rearing, the rule should apply to men and youths as well.

She said daily yaqona consumption resulted in limited time spent with family and child supervision.

“We have to make laws for the betterment of our vanua,” she said.

“We need people, from elders to the commoners to ensure when a law on yaqona (kava) restriction is made, everyone follows it.”