The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is extremely disappointed by Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya’s endorsement of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for President and the reference that he helps break the cycle of patriarchy.
Shamima Ali says Ratu Naiqama has never worked as a male champion and Tabuya should explain her statement in endorsing the Speaker for President.
She says statement made by Tabuya is counter-productive to the efforts of the National Action Plan to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Tabuya has endorsed the Speaker and Na Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau as President of the Republic of Fiji.
Tabuya says she has experienced firsthand his able and fair leadership, with passion and commitment to gender equality and women’s leadership.
She says never at any time as a woman leader did she feel she was not an equal partner in decision making but in fact na Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau would often create the space for her to be visible as a woman leader who earned every right to be at the table.
She adds in order to break the cycle of patriarchy, women need male champions for gender equality, and she is confident to state publicly that Ratu Naiqama is one such champion, who she has no doubt will take this rare quality to the State House as the next President of the Republic of Fiji.
