End political party 'gatekeeping' of women leaders, says MP Kumar
Opposition MP says mentoring and equal access to senior portfolios are essential to improving women's political representation.
Tuesday 04 August 2026 | 06:00
Opposition Member of Parliament and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Fiji Group deputy chairperson Premila Kumar
Photo: Asenaca Ratu
Opposition Member of Parliament and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Fiji Group deputy chairperson Premila Kumar has called for an end to "political party gatekeeping" that limits women from holding senior leadership roles.
Speaking at the launch of the Com
monwealth Women Parliamentarians Fiji Group Booklet: Celebrating Women in Parliament and Senate 1966–2026, Ms Kumar said women continued to face barriers rooted in traditional attitudes and perceptions.
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She said the bigger challenge often emerged after women were elected, with many overlooked for influential positions within political parties and Government.
"There is political party gatekeeping. That needs to stop," she said.
Ms Kumar questioned why women were often assigned portfolios traditionally associated with women, such as education and social welfare.
Why can't a woman be the Minister for Policing, Defence or Finance?
Opposition Member of Parliament and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Fiji Group deputy chairperson Premila Kumar
"We are good mothers and take care of our children, but that doesn't mean we should only be given roles that match those. It needs to change."
She also called for stronger support systems for aspiring women politicians, saying mentoring should begin well before election campaigns.
"There are two things. The first is mentoring, not only when an election is near but from day one," she said.
Ms Kumar said aspiring women leaders should be paired with former and current women politicians who could guide and encourage them to contest elections and enter Parliament.
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu supported her call, saying women should be considered equally with men when ministerial portfolios are allocated.
"Mrs Kumar talks from experience and I agree with her," Mr Seruiratu said.
He said the allocation of ministerial portfolios rested with the Prime Minister, but women had already demonstrated they could lead effectively across all areas of Government.
Mr Seruiratu said the former FijiFirst Government had appointed a record number of women to Cabinet and other senior parliamentary positions, setting a precedent for future governments.
