fiji | gender barriers

PACIFIC REPRESENTATION REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON ADVANCING WOMEN’S IN PARLIAMENTS -

FIJI’S PERSPECTIVE

1. Introduction


2. Issues of concern and interests relevant to stated subject


3. Gender barriers to women’s political participation


4. National experiences


5. Conclusions

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1. Introduction

Fiji has enjoyed women’s participation in Parliament since Independence. It has undergone many changes in its Constitution; however, women’s representation in Parliament has not been given the consideration it deserves due to several factors.
The Ministry of Women, Social Welfare & Poverty Alleviation has a policy framework called the ‘Women’s Plan of Action’ (1999 – 2008) that gives direction to the adoption of strategic objectives on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Fiji. There are five specific areas in this Plan of Action, which includes;
- Mainstreaming gender issues and concerns
- Advancing and supporting women in decision-making
- Promoting women and the law
- Supporting women in micro enterprise development
- Supporting strategic actions to address and eliminate violence against women and children

2.0 Relevant issues and interests

Women’s participation in decision-making covers a very broad area of focus. In the three main arms of our machinery of Government, i.e. the Parliament, the Judiciary and the Executive there is a critical need for women to be appointed into the various echelons of decision-making. There are other sectors such as women in the private sector and those in the informal sector whose needs need to be addressed in pursuit of this strategic objective. This is indeed a challenge. It is considered crucial that all key players/ stakeholders must work in harmony in mobilizing resources to achieve tangible results for women in decision-making.
In Parliament there are 71 elected members in the lower House (House of Representatives) and 32 nominated members in the Upper House (Senate). Of the 71 members in the House of Representatives there are 6 women (7%) members and 5 (16%) in the Senate.
To secure women’s representation in Parliament there are several options that can be looked at and this includes:
- Political parties contesting the General Elections reserve special number of seats for women candidates and commit Cabinet portfolios to these women when elected
- introduce a ‘quota system’ to set aside a (%) of seats in Parliament for women representatives
- Amend and include in the Electoral Act the reservation of seats to be contested by women only.
- Set aside a (%) of the seats in the Senate for women’s nominee only
- Women in the three ethnic groups organize themselves to contest seats in their Constituencies through forming a Political Party

The experiences we have undergone in the development of our democratically elected Parliament shows that the cultural norms, religious and traditional barriers faced by women in other parts of our global communities is still a reality in Fiji i.e. the existence of a stereotyped male dominated political party system that regards women as ‘Party’ workers but not as an important and integral ‘Partner’ for their co-existence.

1. Gender barriers to women’s representation in Parliament

The gender barriers to women’s representation in Parliament are many. These vary according to their impacts in influencing women to decide to participate in the total process of entering Parliament as well as delivering the services expected of her whilst in Parliament..
The Electoral System with its communal boundaries has an inherent gender problem due to the existence of strong traditional, cultural and religious barriers.
Women, however, are beginning to realize their role in decision making at the village level. There is an increasing growth of micro enterprises in villages managed by individual women and cooperative groups. Such forms of economic empowerment have resulted to increasing confidence amongst village women, thus, enabling them to experience the changing roles demanded of them in managing their community whilst at the same time exposing them to leadership roles. There is a high degree of mobility of women living and moving residences between towns and villages both for economic and educational reasons. As they become increasingly aware of their changing roles, their ‘partners’ are also changing and are more supportive to those who may show an interest or approached to take up positions in ‘political parties’ etc.,
The lack of information amongst women living in the rural areas on our Electoral system and their role in electing their choice of candidates has improved considerably through the organized programs initiated by women’s groups assisted by government and non government agencies. Women of common birth are being given equal opportunities as those of high birth to being heard when placed and accepted by their communities in leadership roles.
To progress these women into taking up positions in Parliament we recognize the need for total support from their partners, funding assistance to women candidates and women’s ability to strategically adapt and accept the responsibilities that come with the position.
The supportive role of the media and the use of information technology have not been accessed fully by women when organizing themselves for such challenges. We are aware that attitudinal changes towards women’s full participation in Parliaments can be greatly enhanced by a Media that is supportive and positive into publishing good and constructive stories of women’s achievements.
The recognition and inclusion of women in leading a Political Party is still a ‘dream’. Women however are accepted as key partners in planning, implementing and evaluating strategic objectives of ‘Party’s’ ideologies.
There has not been a direct or a firm commitment by any ‘Political Party’ on women’s representation in Parliament since this has always been a male dominated area. The dissemination of relevant information on the Electoral processes has been given prominence by women’s non government organizations in the National Capital, other urban and peri- urban centers. Women in villages and settlements have been supported by other women’s organizations such as the ‘Soqosoqo Vakamarama, Church organizations and other Institutions that are focused in supporting rural development initiatives.

1. National Experiences

The reason for the low numbers of women in politics is their lack of resources endowments for public life. These include income, relationships networks in the community, and flexibility in committing ‘family time’ to serving the public. In some instances it is difficult to relate to the fact that women with high educational achievements and sound economic standing do not show an interest nor wish to participate in the political ‘life’ of our country. Whilst discussing this concern with some of my colleagues who are in the younger generation, I found the following reasons as quite challenging i.e. Women will only seriously consider contesting for the General Elections on the following premises - that the remuneration packages in Parliament are attractive enough to sustain their livelihood; they are fully supported by their partners and they have a passion on issues they will champion in Parliament.
In the Executive arm of Government women have increased in taking up appointments in the various occupational groups. However, there is limited number of leadership positions given to these women. Similarly in Parliament only three elected members are assigned Cabinet Portfolios without due consideration given to sharing more Cabinet Portfolios to other elected and nominated women members. Consequently, this means that women members constitute a minority in the decision making process on issues discussed and passed in Parliament.
The sectors given to women Cabinet Ministers are gender biased since they reflect areas considered appropriate for women such as Education, Women and Social Welfare and Information. Ministerial Portfolios that have an impact on economic, political and national security of the nation have always remained a male domain.
It is important to note that women rarely become Prime Ministers or Heads of States. Women however can be found as Deputy Heads. There are other positions such as the Speaker of the Lower House and President of the Senate that could be given to women.
In endorsing MDG 3 the Fiji Government had endorsed a key indicator that Government will ensure that there will be a greater proportion of seats to be held by women in the National Parliament.
The notion that women of high birth have a better chance to address people on issues of public concern and thus have a better chance of entering Parliament is in my opinion no longer relevant in Fiji. The rapid changes brought about by socio economic developments in our rural areas and the rate of educational achievements amongst women of common birth have altered this scenario.

1. Conclusions

The challenges faced in Fiji in advancing women’s representation in Parliament maybe addressed through an amendment to the Electoral Act to introduce reserved seats in Parliament to be contested only by women. This is possible through Constitutional reforms. As more women enter Parliament there is also a critical need to have a legislative framework to ensure that integrity of Members of Parliament are maintained through the an agreed ‘Code of Conduct’.