Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji

04/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/07/2025 15:38

PM RABUKA REAFFIRMS FIJI’S COMMITMENT TO GENDER EQUALITY AT FIRST EVER PACIFIC CEDAW SESSION (07 04 2025)

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabukatoday reaffirmed Fiji's strong commitment to human rights, social justice, and gender equality as he officially opened the inaugural Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in Suva.
The important five-day meeting brings together leaders, policymakers, and advocates committed to advancing gender equality across the Pacific and beyond.
Also in attendance at the opening ceremony was the Chairperson of the UN CEDAW Committee, Ms. Nahla Haidar El Adal.
In his official address, the PM described the gathering as a vital opportunity for Pacific nations to come together to address the shared challenges of gender discrimination and to develop durable and context-specific solutions.
"Fiji is a nation that values the principles of human rights, dignity, and social justice. We recognise the importance of the CEDAW Convention as a guiding framework in our collective journey to eliminate discrimination against women and foster a more inclusive society," said PM Rabuka.
He highlighted Fiji's significant progress since its last CEDAW reporting period, including increased access to justice, expanded educational and training opportunities, and higher rates of women entering male-dominated industries such as engineering, construction, and the military.
At the same time, the PM also acknowledged the persistent challenges that remain, particularly high rates of gender-based violence, the rise of technology-facilitated abuse, and societal pressures driven by competing interpretations of rights and responsibilities.
In 2023, the Fijian Government launched its National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls (NAP-PVAWG) and established the first-ever Gender-Based Violence budget line across key ministries.
The forthcoming Women's Economic Empowerment National Action Plan (WEE NAP) will build on this momentum to support greater participation, leadership, and economic inclusion for women.
Prime Minister Rabuka called for deeper reflection on the complexities of implementing international conventions within the Pacific's unique sociocultural contexts.
"In the Pacific, individual rights must be considered alongside group rights and communal responsibilities," he added.
"This includes traditional land ownership systems and cultural governance structures. We look to this session to inform Pacific-specific pathways forward."
He encouraged women to take up more leadership roles at all levels and called on men to stand as allies in the journey toward gender equality.
"As men, we have a critical role to play in fostering a society where women are treated with the respect, dignity, and fairness that they deserve.
"We must challenge the harmful stereotypes, denounce violence and discrimination, and actively work to create safe and empowering environments for women and girls."
In concluding, PM Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji's commitment to supporting the national women's machinery and advancing the gender agenda across all sectors.
Read the PM's full speech on https://bitly.cx/NWGeX