The core objective of feminism is to dismantle patriarchal structures and not destroy cultural norms.
FemLINKPacific Fay Volatabu stressed this during a panel discussion organised by Dialogue Fiji in Suva on Tuesday at the Tanoa Plaza.
Discussions were centred on breaking barriers and increasing female participation in local government elections.
Ms Volatabu was responding to a question raised during the question and answer session by a participant.
The participant queried how women were to break barriers if cultural norms could not be ignored and the potential threats that women may encounter.
“As young people you are more attuned to changes, to the older generation they have to try and preserve what needs to be preserved while at same time be relevant and move forward,” Ms Volatabu said.
She said her past work experience has enabled her to preserve certain cultural norms while also raising crucial issues impacting women.
“Sure we don’t come from families where our fathers are as progressive, but you could look around and find a male colleague, a male uncle,” she said.
“Women’s empowerment, sometimes we need to be smart to empower us to get to our goal.”
Meanwhile the panel also comprised the Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran, University of the South Pacific Head of Journalism Dr Shailendra Singh and Munro Leys Lawyers partner Jon Apted.
