Why do we have a National Action Plan if the Minister for Women will endorse & help elevate a man whose disrespect for women is renowned?

30 Oct, 2024

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The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is extremely disappointed by Lynda Tabuya’s endorsement of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu for President and the reference that Ratu Naiqama is a “male champion” that helps break the cycle of patriarchy. 

We would like the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection to explain instances – where and how – Ratu Naiqama has consistently worked as a male champion to break the cycle of patriarchy in the whole of Fiji.

The statement made by Ms. Tabuya is counter-productive to the efforts of the National Action Plan to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. For over five years – all of Government and civil society came together to develop the National Action Plan.

Why do we have a National Action Plan and sign on to international conventions if the Minister for Women will endorse and help elevate a man whose disrespect for women is renowned?

If the National Action Plan to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls is to succeed, then Ms. Tabuya needs to stop making regressive and misleading public statements.

Ratu Naiqama has shown time and time again that he is a misogynist who was once suspended from parliament for two years for making extremely derogatory comments against the late Speaker of the House, Dr Jiko Luveni.

As Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama made racially charged comments, minimizing a community’s experience of slavery.

Where was the commitment to gender equality and unity in his comments?

Cronyism, partisan politics, and traditional alliances seem to be the order of the day.

The President of our Beloved Country needs to be a visionary leader who meets the moral and ethical standards to unite all the people of Fiji – in all our diversity without any bias.

–                        Shamima Ali

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