THE Ministry of Justice yesterday recognised women in law and justice for the first time in honour of International Women’s Day.
Permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca said the aim was to encourage young women to be part of the law and justice sector.
“We’ve had International Women’s Day celebrations all over Fiji for many years, but women in law and justice has never been celebrated,” Ms Kuruleca said while speaking at the event.
“So, in partnership with the Ministry of Women, the Chief Registrar’s office, as well as Solicitor-General and Attorney-General’s chambers, we decided to recognise them.
“We need to encourage our young, old children to be part of the Law and Justice sector.
“It isn’t only about being a lawyer or being a judge, there are other work in the Law and Justice sector.
“We also want to let people know that even though sometimes there are barriers, there is much work that we can do together.
“And we all know that women by default, we are nurturers. By default, we want to always give the best we can to our people.
“So, this celebration is not only about recognising that, but recognising the role that women play in providing justice for our young people.”
Ms Kuruleca said they were also working on creating gender balance in the law and justice sector.
“We are looking at ways where we can continue to have mentorship programs, as well as looking at scholarships displacement, as well as looking at professional development and training for those people who are in the field, who might need an opportunity to study, all of that is in the pipeline.
“We have also signed a MOU with the Solomon Islands government and that itself is about exchanging learnings.
“That will be both for men and women in the Law and Justice sector program.”
