Fiji women urged to lead with values ahead of elections

Women in Fiji are being urged to step into leadership roles and engage confidently in the nation's democratic processes, with a particular emphasis on ethical, values-driven leadership. This message comes as the country prepares for upcoming national and local elections.

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In a male-dominated society, women must frame leadership around values, not gender, and when women lead with respect and resilience, they redefine strength.

A training program, organized by the Fiji Council of Social Services, brought together women community leaders from across the country. The initiative aimed to equip them with the necessary skills for effective media engagement and leadership.

Sainiana Radrodro, a University of Fiji Law Lecturer and Director of Special Projects, highlighted the importance of leaders maintaining a strong connection with grassroots communities. She noted that voters often feel neglected after elections when leaders lose touch, underscoring the need for ethical leadership that remains accountable to the needs of ordinary Fijians. Radrodro also stressed that public scrutiny is an integral part of leadership, and criticism should be met with facts, transparency, and professionalism.

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voters often feel abandoned after elections when leaders lose touch with the communities they represent.

The University of Fiji's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, stated that the university's involvement in such national programs demonstrates its commitment to leadership development and inclusive democratic participation.

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public scrutiny is an important part of leadership, stressing the need to respond to criticism with facts, transparency, and professionalism.