Women community leaders receive training on human rights and leadership

Suva

rrrtThe Pacific Community Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation have completed training 90 community women leaders from Fiji’s Central, Northern, Western and recently the Eastern Division on Human Rights and Leadership.

The collaboration aimed to provide a platform and an enabling environment for women’s enhanced participation. This qualifying environment will inspire the capacity of women to be involved, participate actively and benefit from development. The training allows women to understand the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Furthermore, for women to contribute to the formulation of public policy through advocacy and lobbying on issues that directly affect them.

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, the Hon. Rosy Sofia Akbar shared that the training will support women to be better agents of change in their communities. The Hon. Minister further added that the training also motivated women leaders at the community level to recognize their potential and commit to capacity building on human rights. This is by identifying and using community and development forums where women could advocate directly on issues that affect them.

President of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama Kadavu (Suva), Ms. Bulou Yavala, said that this training has broadened her understanding about human rights and leadership. “I came to learn more about the Conventions and now have an understanding which will assist me to communicate, advocate and lobby on issues concerning women.”

Sharing similar sentiments, Ms. Nanise Tagivetaua from the Western Division said she is determined to advocate on issues that affect women. “After going through all this training, I now feel I have a responsibility to go out and help others in my community and educate them about their rights.”

Ms. Mereoni Guivalu from the Central Division shared how fortunate she was to be part of the training and she looked forward to sharing with women in her community. “It has opened up my mind to firstly know and understand my rights”. She further added that women are unsung heroes in where they live and in what they do.

Ms. Salote Daugunu highlighted that the Northern Division training has equipped her a lot. “I believe that what I have learnt through the three-day workshop has helped me identify and recognise the precise tools and strategies to effectively deal with the issues in my community.” She further added that producing results in a timely manner is a visible reflection of the learning.

The Ministry for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and SPC RRRT, will continue its collaboration in providing capacity building to Fijian women.

The training was supported with funding from the Fijian Government and the Government of Australia.

Media contact:
Anshoo Mala Chandra, Media Liaison Officer, Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Phone (679) 331 2199 Mble: 9904055

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