Unity Fiji mourns passing of founding member Adi Sivia Qoro

Unity Fiji is mourning the loss of its founding member and current president, Adi Sivia Qoro, remembered as a leader who dedicated much of her life to public service, politics, women’s empowerment and community advocacy.

Adi Sivia passed away earlier this week after a short illness. She had celebrated her 70th birthday on March 31.

Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube described her death as a major loss to the party.

“I was shocked to hear of her passing. We will greatly miss her leadership and appreciate the stability she brought to the party,” Mr Narube said.

Originally from Najia Village on Viwa Island in the Yasawa Group, with maternal links to Marou in Naviti, Yasawa, Adi Sivia was widely respected for her leadership in Government, politics and community work.

The former Minister for Commerce and Industry, began her career in the civil service at the Prime Minister’s Office under the guidance of Fiji’s founding Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, before later serving in the Office of the President under the leadership of Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau.

Adi Sivia later joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as First Secretary in Canberra before moving to the Ministry of Women.

She was also instrumental in the formation of the Department of Heritage and Arts prior to becoming its first director.

Beyond Fiji, she also carried out consultancy work internationally with the European Union and other international agencies.

Her academic journey saw her earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management from the University of the South Pacific before furthering her studies in foreign affairs and trade at the Australian National University and Monash University where she attained her Masters.

Beyond politics, she became a strong voice for women and rural communities.

Since 2022, Adi Sivia served as president of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei ni Yasana ko Ba, where she championed a bottom-up leadership approach focused on listening directly to women across the province.

Under her leadership, she led visitations to 18 of the province’s 21 districts to hear the concerns, priorities and aspirations of women in rural communities.

The consultations later shaped the organisation’s strategic plan and continue to guide how the organisation operates today.

Mr Narube said she made significant contributions through her work with the organisation, particularly in environmental protection and women’s empowerment initiatives.

Before joining Unity Fiji, Adi Sivia briefly served in the House of Representatives in 2006 under the Fiji Labour Party, representing the Yasawa Nawaka constituency.

She also served as Minister for Commerce and Minister for Industry in the multiparty Cabinet led by former prime minister Laisenia Qarase.

In the 2014 General Election, the first after the 2006 military coup, she contested under the People’s Democratic Party led by Felix Anthony.

She later became party leader in 2016 following Mr Anthony’s resignation.

Adi Sivia is survived by her children, who serve in the British Army and grandchildren.