Fiji is gearing up for the review of its 6th State CEDAW Report and preparations kicked off today with a stakeholders' meeting in Suva, co-hosted by the Ministry and The Pacific Community (SPC).
Government representatives gathered to strategize and strengthen efforts in advancing gender equality.
Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Social Protection, Eseta Nadakuitavuki stated that the meeting represents more than a routine check-in; it is a significant milestone in our collective journey towards realising the promises made under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
“As we all know, CEDAW is not merely an international treaty—it is a powerful commitment to end gender-based discrimination and to ensure that all women and girls, not just in Fiji but globally, enjoy the full spectrum of rights and opportunities that should be their birthright.”
Since becoming a signatory to CEDAW in 1995, Fiji has made considerable strides in addressing systemic barriers to gender equality, empowering women and girls, and advancing the principles enshrined in the Convention. However, despite the progress, the Permanent Secretary acknowledged that much work remains to be done. The 6th State Report, discussed during the meeting, not only highlights Fiji’s accomplishments but also identifies the challenges that persist and the gaps that must be addressed to ensure the full realization of gender equality in all sectors of society.
“The path to CEDAW compliance is not one of mere paperwork—it is one of deep, transformative action,” PS Nadakuitavuki emphasised.
“As we prepare for the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the CEDAW Committee, we must approach this process with transparency, honesty, and, above all, a renewed commitment to tackling the persistent obstacles that hinder women's full participation in society.”
The Permanent Secretary also reaffirmed the Government's dedication to advancing gender equality as a central pillar of national development, stating that the commitment to CEDAW is not just about fulfilling international obligations.
“It is about creating lasting, positive change for all women and girls in our nation,” she concluded.
The CEDAW Stakeholders Meeting is an essential step in fostering a collaborative approach to the review of Fiji’s 6th State CEDAW Report and ensuring that gender equality remains a core priority for all sectors of Government.
Senior Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, Ministry of Itaukei Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Ministry of Multi Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Ministry of Housing and Community Development, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Fiji Corrections Service, Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, The Pacific Commission (SPC) and the Fiji National Action Plan on the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (NAP PVAWG) Team attended today's CEDAW Stakeholder Meeting.