Fiji is actively participating in the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), held from March 10 to 21, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Representing Fiji at the session is Filipo Tarakinikini, Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, alongside officials from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, including Acting Director for Women Emily Kamoe-Veiqati and Senior Women’s Interest Assistant Setaita Saqanaivalu.

CSW69 commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995), which set out key objectives for improving the lives of women and girls worldwide.

This year’s session focuses on reviewing the progress made in implementing the declaration, discussing current challenges, and setting the agenda for future actions to advance gender equality.

On the opening day of the session, Fiji’s delegation participated in a side event hosted by the Permanent Mission of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations.

The event, titled “Showcasing Progress on Gender Parity in the Workplace in Papua New Guinea,” highlighted initiatives and progress in achieving gender equality in the Pacific workforce.

The first day of CSW69 concluded with a networking reception co-hosted by the Permanent Missions of Tonga and New Zealand.

This event allowed Pacific delegations, development partners, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage in discussions on strategies to enhance gender equality in the region.

The Fiji delegation also acknowledged the ongoing support from the Permanent Mission of Fiji to the United Nations, further strengthening international partnerships.

On March 11, 2025, the Fiji delegation met bilaterally with Ms. Padma Raman, Executive Director of the Australian Office for Women.

Discussions centered on capacity-building, gender-responsive policies, and peer-learning exchanges between Fiji’s Ministry of Women and Australia’s Office for Women.

Topics included technical expertise, policy development, leadership training, and economic empowerment programs.

Fiji expressed gratitude for Australia’s continued support, particularly for initiatives like the National Action Plan to prevent violence against women and girls and the Women’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan.

CSW69 serves as a vital platform for enhancing regional and global cooperation to advance gender equality, and Fiji remains committed to empowering women and girls in all their diversities.

Fiji’s active participation highlights its ongoing dedication to driving gender equality both domestically and internationally.