GREATER representation of women in Parliament will only become a reality when women first recognise their own potential to lead, according to youth advocate Kava Masilagi.
Speaking during the 14th Speaker’s Debate in Suva last Thursday night, Ms Masilagi said discussions on women’s representation often focused on statistics and barriers, but the real starting point was the individual.
“When we talk about increasing women’s representation in Parliament, there are many important conversations we can have,” she said.
“We can talk about statistics, barriers, or by representation methods of these conversations are important.”
“It would be better to focus on the question at hand. How do we actually move from participation to representation?”
She said every woman possessed unique strengths that could contribute to leadership.
“Women are so much more than just a demographic — behind every statistic is an individual woman.
“It is within that individuality that exists a unique combination of strength that nobody else possesses.”
Ms Masilagi encouraged women aspiring to leadership to look within themselves rather than dwell on obstacles.
“If you are a woman sitting here this evening who is interested in politics or aspires to be in office, then this is the question worth asking.”
“Who are you? What makes up your value of individuality? And how are you connected to each of those elements?”
She said before women could occupy seats in Parliament, they first needed to believe they belonged there.
“Before a woman can occupy a seat in Parliament, she must first see herself there.
“She must recognise that her story matters and that she is capable of leadership.”
