Women lawyers call for more female police officers in Fiji
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Fiji Women Lawyers Association is concerned about the low representation of women in the Fiji Police Force.
- Women constitute over half of Fiji's population but make up only about 25 percent of police personnel.
- The association made submissions on the Police Bill, calling for increased female recruitment.
The Fiji Women Lawyers Association has voiced significant concerns regarding the underrepresentation of women within the Fiji Police Force. The association highlighted that despite women comprising more than half of the nation's population, their presence in the police force stands at approximately 25 percent.
During their submissions on the proposed Police Bill, Association president Patricia Naisara emphasized the disparity. She stated that the current figures do not reflect the demographic balance of the country, indicating a need for greater inclusion and opportunities for women in law enforcement.
The association's call for increased female representation aims to address this imbalance and ensure that the police force better mirrors the society it serves. This push aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equality across various sectors in Fiji, encouraging more women to consider careers in policing and leadership roles within the force.
Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.