Joint Statement: ''Politics is not just about politicians and parties''

Fem'LINKPACIFIC
Fiji Women's Crisis Centre (FWCC)
Fiji Women's Rights Movement (FWRM)
Women's Action for Change (WAC)

Major women's organisations in Fiji are calling on political parties to
realise that politics is not just about politicians. Fem'LINKPACIFIC, the
Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, the Fiji Women's Rights Movement and Women's
Action for Change are concerned that women's views are not being adequately
reflected in party campaigns.

''It is about every member of the community having their views heard and
reflected in public spaces by leaders, and this includes women and
children's views,'' said WAC Coordinator Noelene Nabulivou.

''Civil society organisations are a legitimate part of any democracy. When
women tell us that they do not feel included in the process, then it is our
responsibility to raise the issue. We urge the political parties to respond
positively to our concerns, not to attack us for advocating for the women
and children in Fiji, who feel unheard by their leaders,'' she said.

Women's organisations were yesterday criticised by political parties for
pointing out the invisibility of women in the 2006 general elections.

''Political parties may include women's issues in their manifestos or in
campaign statements, but that is not the same as advocating around women's
concerns and treating these as core national development issues,'' said
FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali.

''Last night at the nationally televised 'Leaders Forum' on Fiji One there
were seven male leaders speaking, a male interviewer, and no questions
taken from the audience. None of the moderator questions were about
violence against women and the word 'woman' was only spoken once, by Pramod
Rae, during the entire evening'', she said.

Ali added that physical and sexual violence against women has been
experienced by 66% of women in Fiji, and the rates of reported sexual
assaults have increased when comparing the same six month period of
January-June 2004 to 2005.

''This is a national crisis. This should be a primary election issue, with
discussion and dialogue on how to deal with this terrible social injustice
against so many women and children,'' Ali said.

Other issues like a gender-responsive budget, increasing women's
participation at the national decision making level, the gender dimensions
of HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and the challenges confronting women
living with disabilities should also be at the core of any development
strategy.

''People are calling for a caring and compassionate government that will
promote gender equality and peace, and political leaders who will debate
issues of national interest rather than espouse negative and racist remarks
especially in Parliament,'' said Fem'LINKPACIFIC Coordinator Sharon Bhagwan
Rolls.

''We urge all candidates as well as the media to consider carefully the
style and choice of words as you campaign - please do not incite anger and
hatred, we all know our country does not need this and it further
marginalizes women from actively engaging in the political process.''

Women's organisations have been closely following the political campaigns
and process, including through a Women Ask survey in which political
parties outlined their strategies to address key women's concerns.

''The Women Ask is the only comprehensive political party survey that
examines the many areas that impact upon women and their families'', said
FWRM Executive Director, Virisila Buadromo. ''I urge women to read the
results in this Saturday's newspapers, and use the information when they
cast their votes''.

FemLINKPACIFIC, FWCC, FWRM and WAC urgently call on political parties and
the media to stop ignoring women. Tell the women of Fiji how you will
address our core concerns of violence against women, enabling legislation
for women, and women and decision-making.

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