Women’s Representative for Ba, Biukoto Sadole Bureivalu, has called on the government to take decisive action to increase women’s participation in politics, urging the introduction of temporary special measures, targeted leadership training and stronger accountability mechanisms.

Addressing the House, Bureivalu outlined three key recommendations aimed at breaking down barriers that continue to limit women’s entry into political leadership and ensuring they have a fair opportunity to contribute to national development.

Her first recommendation called on the government to assess and introduce Temporary Special Measures (TSM), including the possible implementation of temporary quotas to increase women’s representation in political decision-making.

She stressed the need for clear targets and a transparent implementation plan, with any proposed changes adhering to applicable constitutional and legal requirements.

Bureivalu also called for the establishment of a dedicated Women’s Political Leadership Programme to equip aspiring female leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to participate effectively in politics.

The proposed programme would provide training in public speaking, parliamentary procedures, policy development, campaign planning and leadership, with particular emphasis on women from rural and hard-to-reach communities.

Her third recommendation focused on strengthening accountability through regular public reporting on women’s political participation, progress towards representation targets and the actions being taken to address barriers to women’s entry into politics.

Bureivalu said measurable accountability would be essential to ensure that commitments to improving women’s political representation translate into meaningful progress.

In her concluding remarks, she challenged the political system to examine whether enough was being done to provide women with equal opportunities to lead and participate in decision-making.

“The question is not whether women are capable of leadership. The question is whether the political system is doing enough to give women a fair opportunity,” she emphasised.

Her recommendations place the focus on practical reforms, stronger institutional commitment and measurable action to ensure women have a greater voice in political leadership and national development.

By: Litia Rabua