WOMEN hold only 9.1 per cent of seats in the Parliament, well below the global average, according to Speaker Filimone Jitoko.
While welcoming the Miss Hibiscus beauty pageant contestants to Parliament yesterday, he highlighted the current state of women’s representation in the House.
“As you would have heard, currently, women hold only 9.1 per cent of seats in the Fijian Parliament,” Mr Jitoko said.
“This is a significant drop from previous years, well below the global average.”
He said this under representation highlighted the importance of empowering women to engage in political leadership.
“And one such initiative was the women’s mock Parliament that was held last year, 2024, which brought together 58 women from across Fiji.
“The participants engaged in parliamentary debates, learned legislative procedures and built the confidence needed to pursue political careers.
“The event served as a launchpad for future women leaders.”
Mr Jitoko encouraged the contestants by drawing clear connections between them and former queens who are now members of the House.
“No less than two of the five Members of Parliament presently in your Parliament today are former Miss Hibiscus, namely Ms Lenora Qereqeretabua, my Deputy Speaker of the House and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, I think, who was crowned in 1988, and Miss Lynda Tabuya, Miss Hibiscus in 1996, our present Minister for Information.
“So, the path from where you are at the moment to the chambers of these hallowed halls is not new.”
Mr Jitoko encouraged the contestants to follow the example and path paved by Ms Tabuya and Ms Qereqeretabua as an alternative way to serve the people.
“So, as Fiji approaches its next general election, we are calling upon our young people and women to step forward, to run, to vote, to advocate and to lead.
“Leadership is not defined by age or gender, but by ideas, by courage and sincere commitments to serve.”
