'Women unsuccessful in securing diplomatic roles'

Women who applied for Fiji’s Ambassador positions were not shortlisted, raising concerns about the lack of women representation in Fiji’s diplomatic appointments.

Speaking to this masthead yesterday, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said women who applied were unsuccessful in the interview and shortlisting process.

“Some women applied, that didn’t come to my level of selection,” Mr Rabuka said.

“They were dealt with at the application and selection shortlisting interviews. When it got to me, they were not there.”

This masthead was reliably informed that all applications go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The list of applications is then given to the Public Service Commission for the interview process, before presenting shortlisted candidates to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Successful applications are then given to the Prime Minister for consideration.

The Prime Minister has the power and authority in the 2013 Constitution to appoint anyone to be Fiji’s Ambassador or High Commissioner abroad.

There is no process laid down in the Constitution for such appointment.

Mr Rabuka said several women had applied – one for Israel, six for Indonesia, four for Wellington and one for Geneva – but did not reach the shortlisting stage.

This masthead had published that three ambassador positions – Israel, Geneva and Japan – were given to three male applicants, with Indonesia still not confirmed.

The Prime Minister appointed Jesoni Vitusagavulu for Israel, Kemueli Naiqama for Japan, and Ilaitia Tamata for Geneva.

There have been about 10 appointments for high commissioner and ambassador positions by the Coalition Government. Mr Rabuka said all appointments were made following proper procedures.

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