International Day of Democracy 2025 – Message from the Speaker of the Fijian Parliament

Fellow Fijians.

Today, we join democratic nations across the globe in celebrating the International Day of Democracy, a day dedicated to reflecting on the principles that bind us as democratic societies and to reaffirming our commitment to democracy, justice, peace, development and human rights. This year’s theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” resonates deeply with the values and aspirations of the Fijian Parliament and our broader Pacific community.

Democracy thrives when it is inclusive, when every voice is heard, and when every citizen—regardless of gender—has equal opportunities to participate in shaping the future. Gender equality is not just an aspiration; it is a foundational pillar of strong, inclusive governance. It is a principle that the Fijian Parliament has embraced, and I am proud to share the strides we have made in advancing this cause.

Advancing Gender Inclusion in the Fijian Parliament

The Fijian Parliament has made meaningful progress in incorporating gender perspectives into its legislative work. Under Standing Order 110(2), all parliamentary committees are required to apply gender mainstreaming, ensuring that every Bill and policy is examined for its effects on both women and men. This provision obliges Standing Committees and Members of Parliament to integrate gender analysis and promote gender equality throughout their deliberations and decision-making.

The Fijian Parliament remains firmly committed to creating a parliamentary environment that uplifts and empowers women leaders and politicians. In line with this commitment, the Commonwealth Women’s Parliamentary (CWP) Fiji Group was established in May 2019 under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). This informal group, open exclusively to women Members of Parliament, is dedicated to advancing gender equality and strengthening democratic participation.

The CWP Fiji Group actively promotes women’s involvement in parliamentary and leadership roles. Its initiatives have included raising awareness about women’s health issues, inspiring future female leaders, and collaborating with the wider CWP CPA network to expand opportunities for women in politics. Guided by the principles of equality, inclusivity, and empowerment, the CWP Fiji Group has hosted impactful events—such as a groundbreaking mentoring workshop—and continues to engage in regional forums focused on women in Parliament.

Whilst challenges remain, we are committed to transforming gender mainstreaming from a procedural exercise into a catalyst for meaningful change. Our participation in global initiatives, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s campaign “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” underscores our dedication to building a gender-sensitive institution that leads by example.

Empowering Youth Through the Fiji Youth Parliament

This year marks the revival of the Fiji Youth Parliament—a platform aimed at equipping young Fijians, especially young women, with the tools they need to lead and influence change. Through hands-on learning in leadership and political literacy, the initiative empowers the next generation of changemakers to step confidently into public life. It also complements our wider commitment to advancing women’s representation in leadership, tackling challenges like cyberbullying, and fostering mentorship at the grassroots level.

The Fiji Youth Parliament is a transformative initiative aimed at deepening young Fijians’ understanding of how Parliament functions and the principles of democratic governance. Through hands-on experiences—such as participating in debates and exploring the procedures that guide parliamentary decision-making—participants gain practical insight into the workings of our democracy.

More than a simulation, the Fiji Youth Parliament serves as a springboard for emerging leaders to tackle real-world policy challenges, including youth employment and pressing health issues. With direct mentorship from sitting Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, the programme reflects our enduring commitment to cultivating the next generation of informed, engaged and empowered citizens.

The successful 2025 Fiji Youth Parliament held last week brought together 57 young aspiring leaders who actively engaged in preparing motions, drafting speeches, and debating pressing national issues. Their discussions closely reflected the real challenges currently being addressed by our Members of Parliament, offering a meaningful and practical glimpse into the legislative process.

Fiji’s Leadership in Regional Integration

As we celebrate the values of democracy, we also reflect and take pride in Fiji’s leadership role in the establishment of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (PIPA). Last month, the 5th Pacific Islands Parliaments Group (PIPG) Conference was hosted in Natadola, culminating in a landmark achievement—the formal creation of PIPA. This milestone reflects the Fijian Parliament’s active engagement with our regional parliamentary community and the strong support of the Executive, underscoring our shared commitment to deeper regional co-operation and a stronger Pacific voice on the global stage.

Joined by Speakers, Presidents, and Members of Parliament from across the Pacific, we reaffirmed our dedication to enhancing parliamentary oversight, promoting inclusivity, and upholding transparency and accountability to our citizens. PIPA stands as a symbol of unity, resilience, and democratic progress—ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of Pacific peoples are represented in both regional and international forums.

A Call to Action

On this International Day of Democracy, I call on my fellow citizens, parliamentarians, and leaders to embrace the theme of gender equality—not just in words but in action.

I reiterate the call by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), of which the Fijian Parliament is an active member of, for parliaments to take up crucial leadership in advancing gender-sensitive institutions, eliminating discrimination and violence via robust legislation, ensuring gender-responsive budgeting and oversight, and fostering advocacy and public engagement. The IPU’s “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action” campaign calls for parliaments to lead by example and drive lasting, inclusive change.

Here in Fiji, we need to work together to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a society where every individual can thrive. Democracy is not static; it evolves through the active participation of all its members. By achieving gender equality, we strengthen the very foundation of democracy itself.

Championing Inclusive Democracy

As Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, I proudly reaffirm our unwavering commitment to democracy, inclusivity and equality. Today is not only a celebration of our shared democratic values—it is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to shape a more just and equitable future.

Let this occasion inspire us to take meaningful steps toward gender equality, one action at a time.

Vinaka vakalevu—and may the light of democracy continue to shine brightly in Fiji and across the globe.