The empowerment and engagement of rural women in decision making is vital to Fiji's progress, says Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni.

“I- taukei women should be represented in village development committees, provincial councils and other decision making bodies," she said.

And the minister said it was also interesting to find out that some rural women have also been engaged in roles of turaga-in-koro (village headman).

She made these comments while discussing a report outlining the positive steps taken by the Fiji government to bridge gaps in gender equality.

According to Dr Luveni, the report which will be presented in a UN session next week would provide a global platform for Fiji to report on the progress made to empower rural women and also to work towards strategies in promoting them.

“The Ministry of Women being the line ministry for women empowerment continues to work collaboratively with respective government ministries, non-government organizations and faith based organizations to reach out to rural women in different villages in Fiji," she added.

By Ropate Valemei