20/05/2026
CEDAW Concluding Observations Training Workshop
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Last week two of our FJ YWCA NEC Board members completed a 2-day (13/05- 14/05/26) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Concluding Observations Training Workshop.
We extend our appreciation to the Fiji Women's Rights Movement for opening up this important space for our young women from the faith-based NGO sector to participate, learn, and grow.
Grounded in our Christian commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity, these opportunities continue to strengthen our understanding of CEDAW, especially the reporting processes that guide Fiji in advancing the rights of women and girls.
Reflections by our NEC Vice President Mereani Nawadra mentioned "Day 1 was informative and highly participatory. The presentations and group discussions provided a clearer understanding of Fiji’s obligations under CEDAW and the current status of implementation. The group activities were especially useful in identifying areas where advocacy and collaborative action are needed. For Fiji YWCA, the workshop reaffirmed the importance of our continued engagement in promoting women’s rights and contributing to national efforts to ensure full implementation of CEDAW recommendations."
As mentioned by FWRM "A strong understanding of (The actual Convention, the Fiji Govt. CEDAW States report, the NGOCHR's shadow report & the most recent UN CEDAW Committee observation report of Fiji) is not just useful background knowledge- It is what equips civil society to hold the government accountable, identify gaps, and push for meaningful change on priority areas such as gender-based violence, women's economic rights, child marriage, health, access to justice, political participation, and the rights of rural and marginalised women."
FWRM goes on to mention the outcomes of the training as- "The 2-day workshop ended with collective action planning, where partners mapped out concrete ways to address priority areas across the Coalition's work, identified monitoring approaches, and committed to shared next steps."
Through faith and action, our young women continue to be better equipped to advocate for justice, hold leaders accountable, and support meaningful change—especially for the most vulnerable in our communities.
Vinaka vakalevu FWRM for your partnership, and for opening up the space and continuing to invest in the next generation of women leaders across the NGO sectors.
PC: Fiji Women's Rights Movement
----Proverbs 31:8–9----
World YWCA