08/03/2025
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๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ท๐ถ ๐ช๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป'๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐บ ๐๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐.
๐ฆ๐๐๐ฎ, ๐๐ถ๐ท๐ถ โ [๐ฌ๐ด/๐ฌ๐ฏ/๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ] โ The Fiji Women's Forum (FWF) acknowledges the Coalition Governmentโs ongoing initiatives implemented through its various Ministries. However, we strongly urge the government to do more in upholding good governance, transparency, and meaningful public engagement. The voices of Fijiansโparticularly womenโmust be heard and respected in the decision-making process.
We recognize the governmentโs commitment to reviewing laws, current ones being The Education Act 1966, The High Court Rules 1988 and Magistrateโs Court Rules 1945, and key electoral laws. However, the rushed nature of these reforms raises serious concerns. We call on the government to pause and engage in proper consultations to ensure that these legislative changes truly reflect the needs and aspirations of all Fijians. Democracy cannot thrive without genuine public participation, and we are committed to open and transparent governance.
The economic crisis remains a major challenge, with Fijiโs national debt now at FJ$10.8 billion. While we acknowledge the governmentโs economic recovery efforts, there is a critical lack of transparency in how this crisis is being managed. These economic uncertainties particularly affect women, who often manage household finances. With rising living costs and stagnant wages, many families are struggling to afford necessities, leading to increased economic pressures.
The state of public services remains a significant concern. While we acknowledge the governmentโs efforts to improve education and healthcare, challenges persistโschools continue to lack essential resources, hospitals face staffing shortages, and rural communities struggle with limited access to services. In a recent news the World Bank Report states that Fijiโs health indicators stagnant or lower than low middle-income countries. We call on government to deliver better healthcare services for benefit of Fiji Citizens that are reliant on the services provided.
Furthermore, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of women in leadership and decision-making roles. Womenโs perspectives are crucial in shaping policies that address real issues affecting families and communities. Without gender-inclusive leadership, governance remains incomplete. We recommend that the government: Implement policies that ensure gender-balanced representation in political and leadership spaces, provide mandate electoral reforms that support greater participation of women in politics and develop leadership programs to prepare women for governance roles at all levels.
As we approach the 2026 General Elections, we insist on a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral process. Voter education must be prioritized to ensure that every Fijianโespecially womenโcan make informed choices. We will not accept any weakening of democratic institutions.
The Fiji Womenโs Forum stands firm in its commitment to democracy, equality, and good governance. We call on the government to act decisively and responsibly in addressing these urgent concerns. Fijians deserve a government that listens, engages, and upholds the principles of fairness and accountability.
The Fiji Womenโs Forum has been engaging since 2012 towards Fijiโs democratization process. The Fiji Womenโs Forum is co-convened by femLINKpacific, Soqosoqo Vakamarama ITaukei and Fiji Women's Rights Movement.
๐๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ด
Fiji Government
femLINKpacific
Fiji Women's Rights Movement
Soqosoqo Vakamarama ITaukei
