Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Lynda Tabuya will be leading a high level delegation representing Fiji at the 67th Session for the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
Tabuya says the delegation for the first time will also include civil society and youth representatives.
She says the voices of civil society and young people have been overlooked in decision-making processes for too long and they are determined to change that.
The Minister says they bring a unique perspective, expertise and a passion for change that is essential in advancing the rights of Fijian women and girls in all diversity and they look forward to working with them towards such goal.
Other members in Fiji’s delegation include Ministry for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Permanent Secretary Dr. Josefa Koroivueta, Director Women Selai Korovusere, National Gender Advisor Mehrak Mehvar, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement Executive Director Nalini Singh, ICT Consultant Bulou Jojiana Gavidi and Executive Support Officer Ratu Meli Loki.
She further says this year's session focuses on "Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls".
Tabuya says as the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, the Commission plays a vital role in advancing the rights of all women and girls worldwide.
She says the Government of Fiji is committed to the Commission's annual outcomes documents and multi-year programmes of work, to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action along with emerging issues and the important follow-up to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
Tabuya adds she recognizes the importance of this event, a space where vital decisions are made that have real-world implications for all women, girls, their lives and their rights.
Commission on Status of Women brings together representatives of UN member states, civil society organizations, women’s rights organizations and UN entities to discuss progress and gaps in the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
She adds this is the key global policy document on gender equality, and it is vital that they continue to work collectively towards its full implementation. The 67th Session for CSW will begin on the 6th of March and conclude with an agreed outcomes document on the 17th of March 2023.
