The Fiji Trades Union Congress says it has achieved 50 per cent women representation within its National Executive Board following major constitutional amendments aimed at increasing female participation in union leadership.
The changes were endorsed as part of the FTUC’s commitment to the International Trade Union Confederation campaign promoting equal representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles.
The campaign was launched during International Women’s Day celebrations by FTUC national secretary Felix Anthony.
According to the FTUC, the campaign focuses on achieving at least 50 per cent representation of women on decision-making platforms and increasing women’s participation across unions.
Before the amendments, the FTUC National Executive Board consisted of only one woman among seven male executives.
The constitutional changes created additional leadership positions specifically aimed at improving gender balance.
Under the amendments, the FTUC added two extra vice-president positions, bringing the total to three, with at least two required to be women.
The organisation also introduced an additional assistant national secretary role, with at least one of the three positions reserved for a woman, while a new assistant national treasurer position must also be held by a woman.
The Youth Committee chairperson and Women’s Committee chairperson were also elevated from observer status to full executive members with voting rights.
“The FTUC is proud to announce that it has now achieved 50 per cent women representation in its National Executive Board,” the organisation stated.
Women elected to the executive include Naomi Bukalidi and Viniana Druguta as vice-presidents, Jotika Sharma as assistant national secretary, Nanise Veikoso as assistant national treasurer, and Mererai Vatege as Youth Committee chairperson.
Several of the newly elected representatives hold law and management qualifications from the University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University, while others also serve on regional and international trade union bodies.
The FTUC said the Women’s Committee chairperson position would be filled during the next Women’s Special Conference.
The new executive board continues to be led by president Daniel Urai and national secretary Felix Anthony.
The union movement congratulated the new board and wished members success for the new term in office.
