Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the appointment of Fiji’s new ambassadors followed an open recruitment process and that no women applied in the most recent round.
“Applications are open to everyone,” Mr Rabuka said. “There was no applicants from the ladies in the previous recruitment round.”
The Prime Minister was responding to concerns raised by the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) on the importance of women’s representation in Fiji’s diplomatic service.
In a statement issued by GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, the council acknowledged the Prime Minister’s announcement of new diplomatic postings, including to Israel, Japan, Geneva, and other missions, and congratulated those appointed.
The GCC said the appointments reflected Fiji’s commitment to strengthening its international partnerships and advancing national interests abroad but stressed the need for gender balance and inclusivity in such national roles.
“As Fiji continues to champion gender equality and empowerment through various international commitments including the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), it is imperative that women are fairly considered and represented in leadership and decision-making roles at all levels, including the diplomatic sphere,” the statement said.
“The GCC firmly believes that women’s leadership brings valuable perspectives and strengthens our collective national voice on the global stage.
“The council encourages continued efforts by Government to ensure that women are given equal opportunities to serve in these distinguished positions, consistent with Fiji’s vision of inclusivity, balance, and progress.”
Ratu Viliame said the council remained supportive of all initiatives that promoted women’s advancement in leadership, both within Fiji and abroad, as part of its commitment to fostering unity, equality and the full participation of all Fijians in nation-building.
