Training Programme for Women and Youth Prospective Election Candidates for Local Government Elections
The two-day Capacity Building Training Programme for Women and Youth Prospective Election Candidates for Local Government Elections concluded successfully, marking a pivotal step toward fostering equitable representation in Fiji’s political landscape. The event brought together aspiring leaders to equip them with critical skills for campaigning, public engagement, and governance.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operative, MSME, and Communication Manoa Kamikamica highlighted the urgent need to address the underrepresentation of women and youth in leadership roles. While women and youth constitute nearly half of Fiji’s population, their participation in decision-making remains disproportionately low.
The DPM cited electoral data, noting that in 2022, 345,240 women registered to vote, and 238,389 cast ballots, yet only six out of 54 female candidates were elected, representing just 11% of officials and 8% of total votes cast. He emphasized that diverse leadership, particularly from women, enriches governance by prioritizing issues such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Addressing the youth, the DPM remarked: “You are not just the leaders of tomorrow you are the leaders of today. Your energy, ideas, and activism are already shaping our nation.” He stressed that representation is the cornerstone of democracy, ensuring that policies address community needs.
Representing UNA Fiji were Ms. Salote Malani and Ms. Naomi Malo, who called for prolonged and extensive capacity-building initiatives, pointing out that two days are insufficient to address the barriers women and youth face in the political arena. They also advocated for targeted electoral reforms, emphasizing the need to level the playing field while avoiding unnecessary complications in the electoral process.
The workshop covered media and communications, fundraising, and mock campaign exercises, enabling participants to leverage social media, develop campaign budgets, and understand Fiji’s political finance regulations. These practical sessions aimed to empower participants to navigate the complexities of elections effectively.
UNA Fiji participated actively in the program, with repeated calls for more sustained training opportunities and the promotion of inclusive governance practices. “Building the capacities of women and youth is a long-term investment in Fiji’s democratic and developmental goals. Effective representation ensures policies resonate with the needs of all citizens,” remarked a UNA Fiji representative
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