Women should be given equal roles in the community for fairness and inclusivity.
This has been highlighted by the representative from Naigani Village in Tailevu, Alisio Bilitaki, who says that gender equality exemplifies engaging men in championing women’s achievements and economic empowerment.
Bilitaki says that the initiative hosted by the Medical Services Pacific has shed light on the invaluable contributions of women in our society.
He says we should act now to stop gender-based violence in our communities and create peace so that individuals can thrive.
The Turaga ni Koro of Sawakasa II, Jale Samuwai, says the whole program for today is about equal participation of women and men in society.
Samuwai says the main purpose of today's gathering is the need to witness the equal treatment of both genders in our community.
Meanwhile, Medical Services Pacific Country Director Ashna Shaleen says women from the community will share stories of their lived experiences to shed light on what is needed to achieve economic empowerment for women at the local level.
Shaleen says that today's event is an outcome of men and women designed to accelerate gender equity and promote women's economic empowerment.
She says all the prizes that are given today will be utilised by women in the various villages.
10 villages in Tailevu have gathered together in Sawakasa Village II to commemorate the importance of today and its significance to women.
She says all the prizes that are given today will be utilised by women in the various villages.
The theme for this year is COUNT HER IN: Accelerating Gender Equality through Economic Empowerment.
