A dairy farmer from Vunidawa says a woman’s opportunity to lead in Fiji should not depend on how much money she has or who she knows.
As Assistant Minister for Agriculture in the Fiji Women’s Practice Parliament, Preetika Raj brought the perspective of rural women, speaking as a community advocate, dairy farmer and advisory councillor for the Vunidawa constituency in Naitasiri.
“In our rural communities, women understand the daily challenges of serving and securing clean water, supporting families, improving agriculture, earning sustainable incomes and creating better opportunities for our children,” she said.
Ms Raj said women continued to face barriers to participating in decisions that governed the country.
“Women are not spectators in Fiji’s development. They are farmers, mothers, workers, entrepreneurs and community leaders. We help sustain families, strengthen rural economies and move our communities forward.”
She highlighted financial barriers to political campaigning, as well as cultural expectations that leadership belonged mainly to men.
“Many carry the responsibilities of raising children, supporting families and serving their communities. Empowerment cannot remain a beautiful word in a speech. It must become a reality in our homes, our villages, our farms, our political parties and our Parliament.”
Ms Raj also encouraged young girls in villages and maritime communities to believe in their ability to lead.
“Your background does not define the limits of your future. Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your leadership matters.
“The question is not whether women are ready to lead. The question is whether our nation is ready to give women a fair chance to lead.”
