PM honours mothers, urges family presence

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the best Mother’s Day gift families can give is their presence and time with mothers at home.

Mr Rabuka made the remarks during the 51st Fiji Trades Union Congress Biennial Delegates Conference at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi yesterday, where he also acknowledged the role of women in society and the workplace.

“As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I also acknowledge and thank all mothers across Fiji for their strength, sacrifice and invaluable contribution to our society,” Mr Rabuka said.

“And I remind us all that the best present we can give to our mothers is our presence. Be with them. Tell our children to be with their mothers on Mother’s Day.

“That is the biggest and best present we can give them.”

Mr Rabuka said advancing women’s rights and gender equality in the workplace must remain central to national development and Fiji’s international commitments.

“Too many women continue to face violence, discrimination and unequal representation, and these challenges demand sustained action,” he said.

He commended the Fiji Trades Union Congress for promoting women’s participation and supporting women into leadership and decision-making positions.

“Women have long been drivers of fairness and social progress, and we must continue to create clear pathways for their leadership across all sectors of national life,” Mr Rabuka said.

The Prime Minister also spoke on labour mobility and migrant workers’ rights.

“As we engage in labour mobility through regional programmes, we carry a shared responsibility to uphold the rights and dignity of all workers — those who leave our shores to work abroad and those who come to Fiji to contribute their skills,” he said.

Mr Rabuka said Government remained committed to ensuring migrant workers were treated fairly.

“Exploitation and abuse have no place in our society,” he said.

Caption:
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka with women participants at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi. Photo: Mereleki Nai.