Minister pushes back against mandatory women’s quota

SODELPA Leader and Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says Fijian women are already proving themselves in leadership and governance, pushing back against calls for a mandatory 30 per cent parliamentary quota.“I respect the submissions by the women’s NGO organisations FWRM and FWCC,” Mr Radrodro said in a response to questions by this newspaper.“However, SODELPA is of the view that women in Fiji have held their ground sufficiently when it comes to leadership and governance.

”Submissions from several other consultation areas have also seen great support from both men and women, for finding ways to increase the women representation in Parliament.He said fluctuations in the number of women in Parliament were not necessarily a result of lack of support.“Women often prioritise their lives well and they decide to enter politics once they know they have established their personal lives adequately.



“Hence the lack of women in Parliament is also a reflection of choices our women take.”Mr Radrodro pointed to the education sector as an example.“We have more women graduating from universities and the primary and secondary education system than men.

”While acknowledging male dominance at the top of many institutions, he said change must come from shifting societal attitudes.“These are issues that reflect a culture which we can change by influencing mindsets rather than constructing a system like the 30 per cent mandated parliamentary representation for women to be included as law.“Our women are strong, smart, intelligent and are capable of holding their ground without needing a crutch like Temporary Special Measures (TSM) to give them a leg up.

“They can be victimised as being in those positions only because they are being given special preference and not because they deserve those positions and have worked hard for them!”The post Minister pushes back against mandatory women’s quota appeared first on The Fiji Times..