Political gatekeeping hinders women leaders in Fiji, Kumar says

Women in Fiji continue to encounter substantial hurdles in their pursuit of political leadership roles. Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar pointed out that securing a seat in Parliament is a major challenge, and even after election, women face ongoing barriers.

During a panel discussion on women's representation in Parliament, it was emphasized that greater support is needed to help women ascend to leadership positions. The current low representation underscores the systemic obstacles that hinder their political participation and advancement.

The Fiji Women Lawyers Association also raised concerns about the low number of women in the Fiji Police Force, noting that while women constitute over half the population, they make up only about 25 percent of police personnel. This highlights a broader issue of underrepresentation across various sectors, prompting calls for targeted interventions to promote gender equality in leadership.