It is the duty of men to uplift women and not stand in their way - PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says when Fijian women are strong, so is Fiji.

In his International Women's Day message, Bainimarama says as they acknowledge the achievements of women in Fiji, they also recognize that true equality is a never ending pursuit.

He says it is the duty of men to uplift them and not stand in women’s way because when women are supported, every Fijian is at their best.

Bainimarama says they have always believed that women empowerment is the key to building a better country.

The Prime Minister also says free education has put more girls in our classrooms and the open-merit recruitment system has put more women in leadership within the civil service.

He says social support such as vouchers for rural pregnant women and free sanitary pads for students has put security in women’s lives.

Bainimarama also says our laws regarding domestic violence have put offenders who abuse women behind bars.

He adds we celebrate that progress knowing we have much more work to do to break gender biases and level the playing field in our society.