Call to boost women's political leadership

Women remain under 10 percent of Fiji's Parliament despite making up half the population, prompting renewed calls for stronger female political representation.

The call was made at the Women in Politics and Leadership Forum, facilitated by Dialogue Fiji at Tanoa Skylodge Hotel in Nadi on Friday.

Participants and speakers highlighted barriers limiting women’s entry into leadership.

Law student and Blesson Real Estate Fiji realtor Khusbu Raj, 23, said the training boosted her confidence to pursue leadership roles.

“Women are homemakers, but they can also be political leaders, lawyers and leaders in many other fields. This forum has empowered me and expanded my knowledge in a way that will help me contribute more confidently,” Ms Raj said.

The non-partisan forum focused on improving the electoral prospects of aspiring female candidates and youth. Topics included Fiji’s political system, the open list proportional representation (OLPR) system, election laws and campaign rules.

University of the South Pacific accounting student and former Miss Vodafone Sugar Festival contestant Rejieli Talei, 21, said many young people lacked basic knowledge of how national systems operate, which weakens their ability to engage in leadership pathways.

“It is very sad to see young people now. They lack knowledge of how things work in reality, how businesses operate and about unemployment,” Ms Talei said.

“Fiji’s youth are our future leaders, innovators and educators.”

Fiji National Senior Citizens Council chairman Vineel Nand said many aspiring candidates enter politics without understanding basic electoral rules.

“If you want to play rugby, you need to know the rules. Politics is no dierent. Many people say they want to be involved, but they don’t understand the rules or the election process,” Mr Nand said.

Dialogue Fiji executive director Nilesh Lal said the organisation is working to improve the electoral prospects of women ahead of the next general election, amid concerns over persistent gender imbalance in politics.

“Candidates need to know the rules of the game before they can formulate a winning strategy. Many candidates lack this foundational knowledge, and that can significantly aect their electoral success,” he said.

Feedback: katherine.naidu@fijisun.com.