The implementation and enforcement of laws to protect the rights of women in Fiji remain inconsistent.
And as part of Fiji’s commitment to upholding its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says it is critical to continue strengthening the country’s legal and policy frameworks.
“Fiji has made significant strides in advancing gender equality and fulfilling its commitments under CEDAW,” she said.
“However, while progress is evident, we also face a number of challenges in maintaining the full ratification and implementation of CEDAW.
“There is a need for more robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that policies designed to protect women’s rights are being effectively implemented and that women can access the services and support they need without fear of discrimination or bias.”
Ms Kiran said “deeply entrenched cultural norms” remained one of our primary hurdles in maintaining the full ratification and implementation of CEDAW, limiting the rights of women, especially in rural and remote areas.
“Issues such as gender-based violence, the unequal division of unpaid domestic work, and limited access to economic resources continue to disproportionately affect women in these communities.
“The Fiji Country Gender Assessment Report points out that gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive challenges, with 64 per cent of women aged 15–49 reporting that they have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.”
Next week the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the CEDAW Committee will be held in Suva.
Labelled a historic event, this is the first time the committee is hosting a session out of Geneva and in the Pacific.
