WUNRN

http://www.wunrn.com

 

"The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre has called on the Republic of Fiji
 Military Forces to rethink its recent statements about pregnancies, in
 particular pregnancy outside of wedlock."

 

http://www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=45675

 

FIJI - FEMALE SOLDIERS WARNED ON PREGNANCY ISSUES

 

9/3/2010 - The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has issued a warning to all women soldiers: the institution will not condone those who bear children outside of wedlock.

This was confirmed yesterday by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

He has instructed all female soldiers who have joined the Forces that they should live up to the military standards.

This directive was issued during a parade at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.

Commodore Bainimarama told the female soldiers that he would not tolerate such attitudes because it affects the delivery of their service.

“Yes, my instruction has been sent out,” he told the Fiji Sun.

Land Force Commander Brigadier-General Pita Driti said this was a common problem in any field because it increases the burden on the officers.

He said female soldiers should know their work and their need to br ready for duty.

“They need to be equal to man and be available at all times,” he said.

“When they are pregnant it adds on the burden to us.”

Brigadier-General Driti added that pregnant soldiers waste their time when they come to work because they could not do anything.

He said they should understand their work description before they join the Forces.

He said Commodore Bainimarama urged all female soldiers to take heed of these warnings because it has affected their work and most importantly their service to their people.

Brigadier-General Driti said necessary actions would be taken on female soldiers who refused to abide by these directives.

He said more than four have been identified to be pregnant and they feel the warning was a timely one.