Gender Inclusive Governance: A Call From Rural Women

Gender Inclusive Governance: A Call From Rural Women

Monday 18 March 2013

“What makes women leadership different - women not only can manage homes but also the country”

There is therefore a need to continue civic education programmes particularly to increase awareness and use of human rights treaties and commitments at the community and sub-national level. Civic education must also reach women where they are - in their clubs and groups.

That was the clear message from women leaders including young women from across Nadi who participated in FemLINKPACIFIC’s first "Not Just Sweet Talk: Here are the Women" simulcast for 2013 on Friday March 15th made possible with the support of the European Union and International Women's Development Agency as well as the American Bar Association - Rule of Law Initiative.

According to Losana Derenalagi, President for Nawaka Women’s Club training programmes which engage with women in their communities can be an important transformation tool:

“There is a perception that women were ignorant of the constitution making process but this is not the case, women just did not have access to information to be inclusive in this processes”, said Derenalagi who trained 300 as part of the Fiji Women's Forum civic education programme.
She also reiterated the called for 50 – 50 representation in all decision making processes adding that it should start from the Bose va Koro and also be integrated at provincial level.

23 year old Swastika Sroopa, the Secretary of the Shiu Shakti Women’s club said that women are better managers and take into consideration everyone’s needs: "and (so) if we have equal number of women leaders, we will be able to see change."

Meanwhile 62 year old Meri Draunimasi, a retired school teacher and a member of the Yavusania Women’s Club said that the mindset in the communities need to be changed, then only can the mindset of the nation change that women are much more capable.

Reaffirming the principles of the Fiji Women's Forum the simulcast heard that effective political participation requires investment in gender mainstreaming throughout the government system and inclusive information and communication systems so that all levels of society, particularly women, young people and persons with disabilities can participate in decision-making.

Ongoing civic education according to Rohini Singh, Treasurer of Votualevu Kindergarten Mother’s Club can assist all voters better understand the political systems including ensuring elected officials represent their constituents.

For 20 year old Sereana Laulaba of the Nadi Youth Council the participation of young people need to be included in political education.

The simulcast heard that access to affordable tertiary education and employment was a youth priority.

Through the simulcast, these women leaders talked of political processes to be participatory and not leave women out as they want to be included and can contribute effectively towards Nation building.

The simulcast also heard women call for gender inclusive National Budgets with greater emphasis on women’s health and personal security through investment in the improvements to rural hospitals and the establishment of well equipped police posts in every community.

There is also a need to clarify the availability of pre-school education facilities particularly to ensure equitable access for rural children.

Other development priorities include improvements to water supply and drainage.

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Sharon Bhagwan-Rolls, Executive Director: FemLINKPacific (www.femlinkpacific.org.fj)

ENDS

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