Suva, Fiji – A three-day event aimed at providing women with a platform to gain hands-on experience in parliamentary discussions, procedures, and decision-making has commenced in Suva.

Spearheaded by the Fiji Parliament, the Practice Parliament for Women will see 58 participants from across Fiji take part in mock parliamentary sessions, the event aiming to empower women’s participation in parliamentary democracy and see them with a ready-made cadre of fellow women leaders; a network to share their respective challenges with, and to gain inspiration from in the hope that many, if not all, will one day run for office.

Fiji has been a strong advocate in promoting women in decision-making roles, including in the country’s national parliament. However, the results attached to this push have not been forthcoming: eight women were elected in the 50-member Parliament of 2014, and 10 women in the 51-member Parliament of 2018. However, there was a substantial drop in the number of women parliamentarians following the General Election of 2022 with only six women elected.

Women made up just 55 (16 percent) of the 343 candidates in 2022.

Participants represent the broad diversity of the country’s population, with a focus on women from rural, remote and maritime areas. The practice parliament aims to inspire more women in politics and leadership roles, ’s and connect current and future women leaders with elected women MPs.

Practice Parliament participant, Ms. Mavis Isabella said:

“I am thrilled and honored to be chosen for the Fiji Practice Parliament Program for Women. This is an exciting opportunity to deepen my understanding of women in politics, parliamentary processes and actively engage in discussions that shape our society. I am particularly excited about the prospect of learning from women Members of Parliament and extending my professional network with like-minded women who are passionate about making a positive impact in leadership.”

Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Sashi Kiran, in the lead up to the event said:

“The mock parliament aims to encourage [the] participation and inclusion of women in decision-making, giving those participating a window into the workings of the highest office of the land. The hope is to build inclusive parliament where voices of our women are reflected in legislation and decisions made.”