A lack of shared understanding of gender continues to hinder effective policy development in Fiji’s blue carbon and fisheries sectors, says acting permanent secretary for Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry Sanjana Lal.
She stressed that progress must begin with clarity on the distinction between gender and sex.
“The first thing I need to do is just to make sure everybody has a common understanding and a clear understanding of what gender means,” she said.
“There is a real difference between using gender versus sex.
“Sex is the biological characteristics of being male and female — these are things that we are born with — but this is not the same as gender.”
Ms Lal explained that gender is shaped by societal expectations and learned behaviours.
“Gender is a social identity that is about being a man or a woman, boy or girl, or other gender identity and society associates certain roles, certain responsibilities, entitlements, and behaviours with those identities.”
She said misconceptions often arise when social roles are confused with biological differences.
“If I make a statement that says, well, women are great multitaskers and men are very good at carpentry, I’m actually making statements about gender.”
Ms Lal said improving understanding was key to ensuring that policies and governance systems were inclusive and reflective of real societal dynamics.
