PM Urges Men To Uplift Women

Women are mothers, sisters, and wives, and they are CEOs, entrepreneurs, and managers. They are daughters, granddaughters, and nieces, and they are Olympic medal winners, civil servants, and Ministers.

Women are leaders. They are Fiji. And it is our duty as men to uplift them, not undermine them or stand in their way. Because when women are supported, every Fijian is at their best.

We have always believed that women’s empowerment is the key to building a better country.

Free education has put more girls in our classrooms.

Open-merit recruitment has put more women in leadership within our civil service.

Social support –– like vouchers for rural pregnant women and free sanitary pads for students –– has put security in women’s lives.

And our laws punishing domestic violence have put offenders who abuse women behind bars.

Today, on Womens Day we celebrate that progress knowing we have much more work to do to break gender biases and level the playing field in our society. So, as we acknowledge the achievements women in Fiji have made and are making, we recognize that true equality is a never-ending pursuit.

I want to especially thank the women who make up half of the staff of the Office of the Prime Minister, Republic of Fiji including my executive team: Mili, Pereeza, Iilisapeci, Lavenia, Kini, Fyne, Emi, Sweta, and Seruwaia. Vinkaka vakalevu for all the effort you give to our mission to modernise Fiji, empower all Fijians, and leave no one behind.

Vinaka vakalevu and God Bless our women!

Feedback:  fonua.talei@fijisun.com.fj