Minister for Women Mereseini Vuniwaqa [right] at the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York [Source: Fijian Government]

A Women’s Ministerial Forum has been put in place by the Women’s Ministry to help address gender inequality and women’s rights in Fiji.

While speaking at the CSW 63rd High-Level Interactive Dialogue at the UN Headquarters in New York, Minister for Women Mereseini Vuniwaqa says the forum was established to recognize diverse voices, expertise, resources as well as provide a space for effective consultation in an effort to meet the needs of women and girls.

“The forum is guided by our commitments on gender equality and advancement of women and girls’ rights at national, international and regional levels, including Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. I do firmly trust that the forum would improve our preparation and review processes and how implementation gaps can be addressed.”

Vuniwaqa says the membership of the forum comprises of individual women, representative of women’s rights group as well as civil society and faith-based organizations.

She adds the forum welcomes the support of relevant stakeholders in supporting women around the country.