Closing of the 2026 Fiji Women’s Practice Parliament – Speaker Hon. Filimone Jitoko

Closing Remarks by the Speaker the Hon. Filimone Jitoko

On the occasion of the Closing of the 2026 Fiji Women’s Practice Parliament

Thursday, 22 October 2026

Big Committee Room, Parliamentary Complex

• Representatives from our development  partners   the governments of Australia, Japan and New Zealand;
• Representatives from the UNDP  Fiji Parliament Support Project;
• Dear Participants;
• Ladies and Gentlemen.

Let me first acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we are gathered here today, ki na Vanua ko Nadonumai, vei ira na Turaga Tui Suva, I pay my respect to their Elders/Chiefs, past, present and emerging. And we honour their enduring connection to this land.

Four days ago, we came together with a shared sense of anticipation, ready to embark upon a journey of learning, leadership and discovery. Today, as we bring the 2026 Fiji Women’s Practice Parliament to a close, we do so with enormous pride in what has been accomplished and with renewed confidence in what the future may hold.

Throughout these past days, the hall at the Holiday Inn has resonated with thoughtful debate, diverse viewpoints and powerful contributions from women representing communities across Fiji from rural, the maritime, the urban, the young, the not so young, the disabled as well as the physically challenged. We have witnessed participants grow in confidence, deepen their understanding of democratic processes, and demonstrate the qualities of leadership that our nation needs. Above all, we have seen the value of creating spaces where women’s voices are heard, respected and able to contribute meaningfully to the issues that shape our country’s future.

The strength of Fiji’s democracy will not be determined by a select few. It will be shaped by citizens who are informed, engaged and prepared to participate in public life. It will be shaped by individuals who possess the courage to speak, the willingness to serve, and the conviction to pursue positive change and as far as this gathering is concerned, it will be shaped by women amongst you, who step forward to lead, who embrace responsibility, and who dedicate themselves to the advancement of their communities and our nation.

This year’s theme, ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Leadership,’ ipso facto recognises that significant challenges continue to prevail. Many women continue to encounter barriers, obstacles in leadership, decision-making and public life. Yet we all agree that these barriers are transient and must be removed. They are prejudices that retard our progress.

History, teaches us that progress is achieved when courage is matched with determination. Every barrier can be challenged, every assumption can be reconsidered, and every opportunity can be created when people are determined to persistently lead with purpose. Meaningful change begins when individuals refuse to accept limitations imposed by circumstance and, instead choose to press forward with confidence and vision.

But here is the conundrum; the bind. Whilst Fiji’s electoral laws/system recognises universal suffrage, that is, you, as a woman, your right to stand for election, and your right to be a candidate, but for you to succeed to be elected to this Parliament, you, will need in my view, the endorsement of a political party. Why? Our electoral system does not favour an independent candidate, in fact, the past 3 elections have shown that it is well neigh impossible, for an individual candidate be it a man or woman, to be elected to Parliament.

So we look to the political parties and their hierarchy, mostly replete with men, for their support and sympathies. If there is takeaway, from this 2026 Fiji Women’s Practice Parliament, it is a plea to men in decision-making – Committees of all major political parties, please understand and empathise with the call of the women of Fiji who possess the capability, the skill and the competence to be included in your lists of candidates, for the forthcoming elections. In doing so, you are recognising the existence of an immense pool if wealth of talents outside your normal domain, whilst in so doing, contributing effectively to the country’s social inclusion and enlivening the true meaning of democracy. For too long your appeal for support and plea for recognition have fallen on deaf ears. Perhaps, dare I suggest, it is time to be pro-active.

As for our gathering today, I trust that each of you will leave this Practice Parliament not only with a deeper appreciation of our democratic institutions, but also with a stronger belief in your own capacity to influence, to lead and to make a lasting contribution to Fiji. The future will belong to those who are prepared to engage, to serve and to inspire others. I have every confidence that many of the future leaders of our nation are seated here today.

This Practice Parliament has demonstrated something of profound importance, and that is, that women are not only

participants in leadership and decision-making, but are indispensable contributors to leadership and decision-making. The perspectives, lived experiences and insights that women bring, enrich public discourse, strengthen institutions, and help shape solutions that are both inclusive and enduring. Throughout this programme, we have witnessed the value of diverse voices engaging thoughtfully and constructively in matters of national importance. In doing so, we have been reminded that, and as I had alluded to in my Opening Address, a stronger Fiji is built when all its people have the opportunity to contribute to its future.

To each participant, I encourage you to regard this experience as a foundation and not as a conclusion. I emphasised the term “launching pad” of this workshop in my opening address The confidence, skills and understanding you have developed here carry responsibilities as well as opportunities. Whether in your communities, professional lives, faith-based organisations, civil society, or indeed in public office, I urge you to continue stepping forward to serve, to lead, and to make a difference. Leadership is not defined solely by elected office, it is demonstrated wherever individuals work to improve the lives of others and strengthen the communities to which they belong.

As Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, I am deeply encouraged by the objectives of this programme. Over these past days, you have displayed intelligence, integrity, conviction and a genuine commitment to the issues affecting our nation. You have engaged with seriousness of purpose and have shown that when women are given the opportunity to participate fully, they not only bring forth ideas and perspectives, but practical solutions and principled leadership too.

At this juncture, I wish to extend my utmost sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme Fiji Parliament Support Project which is generously funded by the governments of Australia, Japan and New Zealand, the facilitators, the speakers, the panelists, my Parliament staff, and all those whose efforts made this programme possible. Your joint commitment to fostering women’s leadership is a commitment to strengthening democracy itself.

Most importantly, I thank you, the participants. You embraced this opportunity with dedication, discipline and enthusiasm. You brought to this programme your experiences, your aspirations and your unique perspectives. In doing so, you have enriched this programme and demonstrated the immense potential that exists within every community across Fiji.

The investment we make in empowering women today, I am certain, will deliver lasting benefits for our nation for generations to come. For that reason, together with my Parliamentary staff, I am immensely proud to support and advance initiatives such as these.

As we conclude, let us reaffirm our joint commitment to a society where leadership is open to all, where talent and ability are recognised without barrier, and where women and girls are empowered to participate fully in the civic, economic and political life of our nation. Progress towards equality and inclusion is not achieved through words alone. Such, requires sustained effort, collective responsibility and the courage to challenge longstanding assumptions.

The future of our Fiji will be shaped by the choices we make today. And as I had alluded to earlier, it will be built by citizens who are prepared to serve, to lead and to work together in pursuit of the common good. Each of you has shown that you possess the capacity to contribute meaningfully to that future. I am confident and very optimistic that with your contribution, there are brighter days ahead for our beloved country.

As you return to your homes and communities across our islands, I wish you safe travels and every success in the journeys that lie ahead. Carry with you the friendships forged, the knowledge gained and the confidence strengthened through this experience. May they continue to inspire you to support others, to champion positive change, and to encourage the next generation of women leaders. We look forward with great optimism to witnessing the contributions you will make in the years ahead.

Congratulations on your successful completion of the 2026 Fiji Women’s Practice Parliament. May your leadership continue to grow in service of your communities, and in service of Fiji.

I conclude with that famous Latin phrase: “Ite missa est” [Go forth to serve].

Vinaka vakalevu, dhaanyavaad, Shukria, and may God bless us all may God continue to bless Fiji!

–ENDS-