Women should not seek a place in Parliament simply because they are women, but because they have built a record of service and have something meaningful to contribute.
This has been highlighted by Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei president Adi Finau Tabakaucoro while speaking to fijivillage News on women's participation in leadership and decision-making spaces.
Adi Finau says political representation must be backed by commitment, experience and a proven connection with communities.
Insert: Adi Finau - Service to the community July 06
She pointed to Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya as an example of someone who has built recognition through community service.
While representation is important, she says more attention is needed on development issues that directly affect people's daily lives, including access to water, sanitation, healthcare and economic opportunities.
She says communities are often focusing heavily on discussions around rights, democracy and parliamentary representation, while basic needs and livelihood opportunities required greater attention.
Adi Finau says addressing these issues is a key focus of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei's Strategic Development Plan 2025–2030, which aims to strengthen the organisation and empower women across Fiji.
The organisation has membership across all 14 provinces, 159 communities and 1,192 villages, and operates as a charitable trust.
She says a major focus of the plan is improving economic empowerment so women and communities could become more self-sufficient.
On domestic violence, Adi Finau says addressing the issue required a stronger focus on enforcement, adding that violence against women should be treated as a criminal matter.
She acknowledged existing Government social protection programmes but says organisations such as Soqosoqo Vakamarama did not have the resources to replace government services.
Adi Finau says empowering women requires more than awareness alone, with greater emphasis needed on creating opportunities for communities to improve their livelihoods.
