Editorial: Govt again prioritises gender equality, empowerment during International Women's Day

Fijian women yesterday commemorated the accomplishments of powerful, influential, and stern women who have helped shape our nation.

Their influence has ensured a promising future to women and girls encouraging them to effectively participate in every aspect of socio-economic development and sustainable growth without any discrimination.

The celebration of International Women’s Day yesterday was even more meaningful after the passing of the Employment Relations (Amendment Bill) 2018 in Parliament.

The Government has made it their priority to bring gender equality and empowerment in Fiji.

This is one of those steps.

So what does this Employment Relations (Amendment Bill) 2018 mean?

The Bill seeks to remove section 88 of the Act.

Section 88 of the Bill states that an employer is not prevented from prohibiting the employment of females in underground work in mines of all kinds except for the following:

(a) in management positions not requiring manual work;

(b) in health and welfare;

(c) in education or training; or

(d) for occasional non-manual work.

Members of Parliament yesterday all agreed that the above section in the Act is outdated.

The new Bill means that Fijian women can work in the underground mines in Vatukoula and Tuvatu.

Many already know that Fijian women can do anything a man can do.

In fact the Fijian Constitution gives every Fijian equal rights to economic participation, which includes the right to choose their own work.

The move also supports Fiji’s efforts after we ratified the United Nation’s Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1995.

As a nation we are obliged and must show our commitment to implement CEDAW’s principles and promote gender equality.

We have made leaps and bounds in many areas largely dominated by men.

Fijian women have been able to do this on merit and not for the mere fact that they are women.

Our celebration should not only focus on women who are leaders in institutions and boardrooms, but also those who make a difference in the home and in our rural communities.

The empowerment of Fijian women is vital to the development of our nation.

Let us support and renew our pledge to work together towards gender equality for our women and girls.

Rosi Doviverata

Feedback:  rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj