2017 National Convention Outcomes Statement

Inaugural National Women’s Convention Outcomes Statement

Nadi, Fiji Islands

30 August 2017

Affirming Our Power and Leadership

August 28 - 30, 2017 marked another historic moment in Fiji’s history and the her’story of our women’s movement with the inaugural National Women’s Convention.

Co-convened by The Fiji Women’s Forum and the Fiji Young Women’s Forum, this National Convention is a commitment to continue to support the empowerment of women in promoting political participation in the pursuance of self determination, true democracy and representation.

There are persistent inequalities and inequities perpetuated by structures and institutions and societal practices that disregard women, people, agency, human rights, freedoms, indigenous, ethnic minority and other community concerns.

As diverse women leaders, we commit to bring the voice, agency and actions grounded in collaboration and solidarity from community to national level to create a better future.

Progressing our Collective Vision for Fiji:

The National Convention was an opportunity to discuss effective implementation of Fiji's 2013 Constitution in relation to diverse needs of women and develop key strategies and recommendations to government and all other stakeholders to address limitations faced by women, in advancement of gender equality and universal human rights. 

The National Convention is a vital platform to continuously create awareness on women’s political participation in local and national democratization processes. It is an opportunity to identify feasible, sustainable, realistic and strategic approaches to women and community led accountability.

The Way Forward:

The National Convention identified ongoing initiatives including civic education, peace and human security, economic and ecological justice, health and well being.

Laws govern and shape the architecture of a country. It is important that the Constitution is accessible to the ordinary citizen since it is the supreme law of the land. Access to justice for us begins with enhanced understanding of our rights as enshrined in our Constitution, including the Bill of Rights and all sections involving governance and practices. As a living document, the Constitution should be reviewed in line with the evolving socio-political context, that is our reality.

Women will continue to influence local to national political and governance structures and processes despite barriers to political participation including discrimination, socio-economic, climate change and environmental constraints. We commit to the highest ambition in Pacific Island positions on climate change and disaster risk reduction and response, to ensure the survival of Pacific people and the planet. Women led civil society will continue to mobilise till the commitments for gender equality, peace and human security are met.

The Fiji Women’s Forum and the Fiji Young Women’s Forum are committed to progress the recommendations for action.

Background:

The National Convention brought together representatives of diverse constituencies from across Fiji and upholding the qualities of women’s leadership building on the rich tradition of activism of Fijian women throughout our national history. This includes a commitment to collaborative leadership with young women throughout the country, which can build on the herstory of women’s participation in political spaces including social movements.

Together 109 women, aged between 18 and 75 years from the 14 provinces of Fiji engaged in dialogue which contributes to strengthening a nationwide network.

This builds on the work of the co-convenors of both forums since 2012, which has enabled a diversity of women (including women with disabilities, as well as different faiths, cultures, sexualities, gender identities, ages, demographics and opinions) to mobilize in large numbers and implement civic education programmes, as well as participate at different levels and degrees, in the constitution making process enabling women voices and experiences to be included in the ongoing democratization process.

The Fiji Women’s Forum and Fiji Young Women’s Forum are two spaces created for all women to allow an avenue for national engagement. Both the forums were conceptualized during Fiji’s democratization in 2012 and have since conducted its various national consultations with women from across Fiji from the issues of Constitution, Women in Politics and advocating for inclusiveness of marginalised women’s groups.

The  Fiji  Women’s  Forum  is  co  convened  by  Soqosoqo Vakamarama  Taukei, National Council of Women, femLINKpacific & Fiji Women’s Rights Movement.

The Fiji Young Women’s Forum is co-convened BY young women FOR young women, with Diverse Voices and Action for Equality Fiji (DIVA), Emerging Leaders Forum Alumni (ELFA), and femLINKpacific’s Programme Associates.

We acknowledge the support of We Rise (DFAT).

30th  August, 2017

Endorsed by: