Push for Women in Chiefly Positions in Some Provinces

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, Heritage, and Culture permanent secretary, Pita Tagicakirewa, believes that it is vital that women hold traditional and customary positions.

He made the comment while opening the Indigenous Women’s Forum at Suva Civic Centre on Tuesday.

Mr Tagicakirewa said the ministry would ensure that, moving forward, it was important to include women.

“Most people think everything can only be done by men, but we want to dispel that notion. The ministry does not share that perspective. The vanua has started to open up. At the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) meeting this year, there were three women present,” Mr Tagicakirewa said.

“We are visiting provinces to encourage them about the importance of having women in traditional positions, such as within a tokatoka, mataqali and yavusa.

“Our call to action is for more engagement and awareness regarding the need to empower and resource more women.”

He feels it is crucial to recognise the value of women in society.

GEDSI workshop

Meanwhile, at a two-day Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) training session in Nadi it was noted there were traditional protocols for chiefly positions in some provinces where only men were in line.

“And nothing will ever change it,” said GEDSI consultant, Aliti Vunisea.

Participants included women representatives from Ba Province. During a discussion on gender equality, these women openly shared their experiences and the challenges they face in their province and villages.

Some participants said the patriarchal system still dominated often overshadowing their voices and concerns.

Soqosoqo Vakamarama representatives from Ba and the GEDSI facilitators at the Tanoa Skylodge Hotel, Nadi. Photo: Mereleki Nai

During discussions on traditional leadership equality in the vanua, Ms Vunisea said notable women leaders, including Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa and the late Marama na Tui Ba, Adi Laite Koroirua.

However, Taraivosa Uluikavoro, a representative from Vanua o Vitogo, said that traditional protocol prohibits women from holding the position of Tui Vitogo.

“For our chiefly line, even if the elder sisters are alive, the position goes to their younger brother or the next generation of men,” she said.

Ms Vunisea said this situation was similar in other provinces, where women were also excluded from holding traditional chiefly positions.

The women representatives were trained on the use of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools that will be used in their community work.

PRA tools is an enabling mechanism that allows them to participate and be full partners of their own development.

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