I was urged to leave the Coalition and lead a party - Tabuya

Government MP Lynda Tabuya says a lot of people have urged her to leave the Coalition Government while some suggested she join another party.

While responding to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s opening address in Parliament, she says some have even asked her to lead a party.

The former Minister for Women says what she has learned about leadership is that people do not want perfect or smart leaders, but what people want is resilient leaders who can withstand challenges, navigate crises and keep going.

Tabuya adds that true leadership is about compassion, empathy and equality, and it is not about being perfect.

She also highlighted that women are still underrepresented in leadership, workplace equality still persists, and violence against women continues to rise.

Tabuya urges parliamentarians and all stakeholders to do more to combat these issues.

She says during her tenure as Minister for Women, she focused on stronger child protection laws and better support for families in need by introducing the Child Care and Protection Act of 2024 and the Child Justice Act of 2024.

She adds they launched new programs to combat poverty and stood up for gender equality and women's rights with a national action plan to prevent violence against women and girls.