'Women should have equal chance to become Prime Minister'

Women have spent years helping political parties win elections, but when it comes to the country's top leadership positions, they are still being left on the sidelines.

That was the message from Arti Ashna Devi during the Constitution Review Commission consultation in Rakiraki last Friday.

She called for stronger constitutional support to ensure women have an equal opportunity to lead Fiji, including one day becoming Prime Minister.

Arti Ashna Devi.

Photo: Rariqi Turner

Ms Devi said women were no longer standing in the background of politics. Across the country, more women are joining political parties, working in communities and stepping forward to contest elections.

However, she said many of them were overlooked when leadership positions were being decided.

"If a woman is capable of becoming Prime Minister, she should be given that chance," she told the commission.

Ms Devi said women and youth groups often formed the backbone of political campaigns and community work, yet their concerns were frequently forgotten once leaders entered Parliament.

Many women continue to raise issues affecting families and communities, but too often those concerns go unanswered.

Ms Devi said Fiji should move towards a more balanced leadership structure where women are not only encouraged to participate in politics but are also given a genuine pathway to the country's highest offices.

She said equal leadership was not about replacing men, but about ensuring capable women have the same opportunity to serve and represent the people in top leadership roles.