2022 General Election: Fiji’s Speaker of Parliament notes reduction in women reps

Newly-elected Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has noted the reduction in the number of women representatives in parliament.

He made the remark in his address after his election as Speaker yesterday.

“Whilst we have many new and young members entering Parliament for the first time, I also notice the reduction of the number of women representatives,” Ratu Naiqama said.

“From the largest ever representation of 10 women MPs in 2018 to a low of six in 2022.

“I sincerely hope that this is an important challenge that we as decision-makers and as a nation can collectively strive to rectify,” he added.

Ratu Naiqama acknowledged the efforts of the “six brave women” who had successfully made to it to a space that was always dominated by men.

“We must also pay all due respect to all the courageous women who had put up their hands to be candidates but were unable to join their colleagues in Parliament.

“Whilst, we could have done better, it is still truly a remarkable demonstration of the confidence of our often-conservative society, has in women as serious decision-makers and national leaders.”