PIFS, FIJI, 26th Jan, 2023—Fiji's Minister of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Lynda Tabuya has been updated on upcoming Pacific gender milestones and current work by the PIFS Deputy Secretary General, Dr Filimon Manoni.
During the briefing earlier this month at the Ministry offices in Suva, Deputy Manoni briefed Minister Tabuya on the secretariat’s role within the regional architecture nd progress on gender equality and social inclusion. Accompanying the Minister were the Assistant Minister for Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation, Honourable Sashi Kiran, Permanent Secretary Ashwin Raj and Director Women, Selai Korovusere.
“The Fijian Government highly values the achievements that we have made through the partnership between the Government and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat throughout the years, and your support is key in ensuring the well-being of all people in Fiji and a great united Pacific”, said Minister Tabuya.
She said the Government was looking forward “to strengthening our partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat for the future benefit of every child, women, and persons with disability in Fiji and the Pacific Region”.
Minister Tabuya said the Fijian Government is committed and will promote Gender Equality, Women Empowerment, Child Protection, Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens Welfare, Ending Violence against Women and Girls and Resilience to disaster for all women and girls in Fiji.
She said she looked forward to working closely with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to progress gender equality and social inclusion as a priority on the regional agenda.
In his response, Deputy Manoni commended the Fiji Government for its continued leadership as the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, in progressing regional aspirations, such as the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
He emphasized that gender equality and social inclusion is a key priority for the Forum.
“The Secretariat is in the process of revitalising the 2012 Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration. It’s an exciting an opportunity to progress a regional position on gender priorities which resonates at the national level and is grounded in the 2050 Strategy for our Blue Pacific Continent,” he said.
Dr. Manoni also highlighted the 2050 strategy focus on and diversity, and the need to protect and include all Pacific peoples
The Secretariat works with other regional Pacific agencies, development partners and non-state actors to progress key social issues including gender equality, disability inclusion, early childhood development, health, education, labour mobility and social protection.
-ENDS-
