Parliaments are key stakeholders in the promotion and achievement of gender equality.
This was the message stressed by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa while speaking at the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum on gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
Vuniwaqa says parliamentarians have the power to not only legislate for each and every citizen but to also influence public opinion through the media and citizen engagement.
She says it is crucial that this power is put to full use so that minds are drawn to gender equality and to the empowerment of women.
Vuniwaqa adds that this is to also eliminate discrimination against women and gender-based violence.
She says that gender equality improves the quality of democracy.
Vuniwaqa says the parliamentary oversight of gender equality is a key aspect of modern parliaments and a fundamental contribution for the achievement of sustained democratic practices.
The Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum will end this Wednesday.
