International lawyer Ana Tuiketei has emphasized the slow progress in empowering women and girls, noting that many are still unable to start businesses, complete their education, or make choices due to deep-rooted cultural and gender barriers.
Speaking at the International Women's Day Breakfast hosted by Fiji Fashion Week at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Tuiketei highlighted the significant challenges women face in their daily lives.
She says that despite a desire to participate in elections, whether national or municipal, policies and systemic barriers often prevent their participation.
Tuiketei also highlighted that two out of three women and girls will experience physical, sexual or online violence at some point in their lives.
She says many women face these secret battles in silence, with not much effort being made to raise awareness or provide support.
@fijivillage.com Accelerating action for women is quite slow - Tuiketei #fiji #fyp ♬ original sound - fijivillage
The International lawyer says accelerating action means ensuring no woman or girl is left behind.
Tuiketei is encouraging women to take bold, decisive actions that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of women and girls everywhere.
She further says that there are systemic barriers, deep-rooted biases and underrepresentation of women, which hinder progress.
She says disparities in funding for female athletes, highlighting the separate budgets for women’s and men’s sports, create challenges for female athletes and officials.
Tuiketei also encourages women to move forward with positive beginnings and overcome their personal challenges.
