Secretary-General to Parliament Stresses Importance of ICD Training

As Fiji draws closer to another general election, Parliament staff were engaged in the Gender Transformative Institutional Capacity Development (ICD) Training.

In opening the ICD Training for Parliament staff, the Secretary-General to Parliament Mrs Jeanette Emberson stated that when gender equality is achieved, everyone is empowered and the community thrives.

“Gender equality means that women, men, girls, and boys are equally valued and able to contribute fully. When everyone is empowered, the entire community thrives,” Mrs Emberson said.

“In Fiji, our identity is deeply rooted in veiwekani; the relationships that bind us together through respect and shared responsibility. At the heart of these values lies gender equality.”

“So, one may ask, “Why does this training matter for the Fijian Parliament?”

This training, Mrs Embersion said was more than just a learning exercise and compliance.

“It is a medium for reflection and change, and it is about building a more equitable and inclusive institution that reflects the diversity of Fiji’s population,” she said.

“By empowering staff, the initiative ensures that Parliament can lead by example in advancing our existing platforms promoting gender justice, social protection and inclusive governance.”

Gender inequality, she added was not always visible.

“Often, it is woven into everyday practices; whose voices are heard, and whose are overlooked, who has access to leadership and decision-making, and the expectations placed on women and men, both at work and at home.

“As leaders, our influence comes with responsibility. Advancing gender equality requires courage to challenge harmful norms, courage to listen to lived experiences and courage to improve systems that may unintentionally disadvantage others.”

The two-days training was held at the Fiji Corrections Training Room at the Korovou Prison.