FIJI needs to rewrite systems and expectations that continue to limit young women, according to a St Joseph’s Secondary School student.
Speaking at the St Joseph’s Secondary School alumnae-organised Law and Governance Breakfast seminar, 17-year-old Allia Elbourne said while women had made significant progress, opportunities alone were not enough if the spaces they entered continued to question their ambitions, voices and participation.
“We need to start rewriting the rules given to us,” she said.
“Because although the rules now may shape progress, progress isn’t enough because progress is not equality just yet.”
Allia said young women were often encouraged to dream big but faced resistance when their ambitions became more visible.
“Some of these spaces, they’ll tell us to dream big. They’ll tell us that the sky is the limit. But once our ambition actually starts to take up space, they question it.”
She said women were also being invited into decision-making spaces, only to face resistance once they arrived.
“Some of these spaces will invite us to a seat at the table but then expect a fight when we’re actually there.”
Allia called on families and communities to actively support girls’ ambitions and strengthen gender equality at home.
“Make your home a space where empowerment is the bare minimum.”
She also acknowledged the progress made by earlier generations, while urging women to continue challenging limiting expectations.
“Stop apologising for taking up space because it makes other people uncomfortable.”
