The harmonious development of men and women can be achieved by ensuring the two genders share equal status, opportunities and rights to create an impartial, equal and just social atmosphere, says Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni.
She made these comments at the closing of the, “Clean Pacific 2012 Campaign” Symposium organized by the Catholic Women’s League held this week at the Novotel Convention Centre, Lami.
Dr Luveni highlighted to participants on government’s commitment towards achieving its Millennium Development Goal 3 (MDG), which calls for “Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.”
“We believe that when women are empowered, the families, communities and the nation benefit. When we evaluate the advancement of gender equality, we should focus on the quality and not quantity.
“Gender Equality does not deny the physical differences between men and women and regardless of whether a women is a state leader or full time housewife, as long as she gives in her best and proves her value to the society, she deserves respect and fair treatment,” Dr Luveni said.
The Minister also handed over one Laptop to the Catholic Womens League to provide an exposure into technology.
“With the compliments of the government, I am pleased to present to you a Laptop and we hope you will progress your efforts to achieve higher goals when the world is open to you through information technology.
“Women should be self-supporting and must learn to be independent and depending on others will cause a woman to lose herself,” she added.