Voices from the Field – Women, Peace and Human Security.
by Sulueti Waqa
Twenty-seven (27) diverse rural women and young women leaders gathered at the St Thomas Anglican Church Hall in Labasa on Friday last week for femLINKpacific’s Rural Women Leaders Consultation. The discussion was on the theme of International Women’s Day “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. The participants in line with the theme highlighted their women, peace and human security issues.
Mereia Tabuvale from Bulileka, representing Labasa Market Vendors Association in her introduction spoke of the struggles currently faced by market vendors in the Labasa Market. She had been in the market for more than ten years. She left last year and returned- beginning of the year; she was shocked to see the increase in prices of items in the market.
“It feels like the prices are going up every day, every week, every month “. Tabuvale stated this as she highlighted that they are making very limited profit from their sales. Political security was also part of the agenda. There were discussions around what political security meant for the participant.
Swatika Sagar from the Vanua Levu Mahila Mandal shared that political security for her is having the right to vote and an investment in women’s development. Ms Tabuvale shared the same sentiments stating that for market vendors, their political security is knowing the importance and the power of their voice.
Keleni Vosatabu, diverse young women representative shared that political security is about freedom of choice. She stated this after reflecting on the laws that are being passed without proper consultation with the communities. She adds that it is also about accessing justice as young people. Accessing accurate information particularly for rural communities while Fiji prepares itself for election is very important. The need for communities to be informed in order to effectively participate on the process that leads up to the general election. With that in mind, rural women and young women leaders spoke of the way forward. They highlighted what kind of leaders they want. The need for representation of women with a perception that with women in leadership, women’s issues will be properly addressed and attended to.
Esther Brown, representing women with disabilities stated the need for leaders to listen to the people and not only during campaign. “Quite often this is the case, when they are elected, they totally forget about the people.”, added Esther.
The issues that they wished to be addressed is the poor infrastructure. The need for proper road, bridges in remote communities.
She adds that for persons with disabilities, it is about making towns and public services accessible. This could be achieved by building ramps for persons with disabilities. There is also a need to look into accessible evacuation centre during times of disasters.
Accountability and transparency was also highlighted as an important characteristic by young women.
The twenty seven participants at the Rural Women Leaders consultation were representative from Vunicuicui Mutltiracial Women Group, Vanua Levu Arya Mahila Mandel, Naleba Mutiracial Women’s Group, Navakakuru Women’s Club, House of Colors , Labasa Market Vendors Association , Association of Anglican Women , Fiji Early Chilhood Education , Diverse Voices for Equality – Fiji ( Labasa Hub).
