Women must have a stronger voice in traditional decision-making forums if communities are to properly identify and address issues affecting them.
That is the view of Timoci Wainiqolo, the Mata-ni-Tikina for Nadi in Bua and the chairman of the Bua District Council of Social Services.
Speaking to fijivillage News at the National Training of Women Auditors on the Kacivaka Tool, held at the Salvation Army Hall in Savusavu, Wainiqolo says one of the key messages he took from the workshop was the importance of women raising their voices in forums such as the Bose ni Vanua and Bose ni Tikina.
He says women should be able to put forward their suggestions and concerns during these meetings.
Wainiqolo says women have often had little say in traditional community decision-making, and he believes their voices need to be heard more.
INSERT: Wainiqolo on women's voices 5th Oct
He says he looks after four villages and ten Tikinas in Bua, with a population of about 3,500 people, and plans to take the knowledge gained from the workshop back to his communities.
Wainiqolo says he will discuss with community members ways to encourage women to speak up and take part in decision-making.
