INVESTING in women is an investment in society, and Fiji needs more women in Parliament to help shape the nation’s future, says Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu.
Delivering his speech at the the 14th Speaker’s Debate in Suva on Thursday, Mr Seruiratu said a message he heard during a meeting in Rome had reinforced his belief that women were essential to national development and decision-making.
“When we develop man, we are developing an individual but when we develop a woman, we are developing a society,” he said.
“Women, that is why we need you in Parliament. Because society needs you, that touch is missing, you are special and we need more of you in Parliament.”
He said the focus should shift from simply encouraging women to participate in politics to ensuring they were represented where national decisions were made.
“Enhancing women’s representation, not participation.”
“Enhancing women’s representation in political life is not a matter of equality. It is a prerequisite for more effective, more responsible, and sustainable decision-making that directly influences the development of our societies.”
“I wish to encourage all our women. We need more of women’s representation in Parliament. If we want to change laws, that is where it happens. If we want to influence, then we must participate.”
He said increasing women’s representation would strengthen governance and ensure Parliament better reflected the needs of all Fijians.
