Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for a more robust support for women taking up leadership both in government and in the private sector.
Speaking at the opening of the Pacific Technical Cooperation of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and Children (CEDAW) in Suva, Rabuka said that it was time for men to actively support their female co workers and women in general.
“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 addressing the gathering, Rabuka also spoke on the traditional role and rights of the women.
“In the Pacific, individual rights must be considered alongside group rights and communal responsibilities. This includes traditional traditional land ownership systems and cultural governance structures. We look to this session to inform Pacific-specific pathways forward.”
The Pacific Technical Cooperation CEDAW session has brought together government representatives, civil society organisations, to discuss how gender equality can be achieved across the region.
The Committee will hold exchanges with three Pacific countries to review their progress in CEDAW implementation, leading to Concluding Observations at their 91st Session in June.
