MEDIA RELEASE #2 ON BEHALF OF THE WOMEN PEACE AND SECURITY COORDINATING COMMITTEE (FIJI)

December 1, 2003 – (femLINKpacific) “Issues concerning women have not been a priority for those in position of influence, not only in institutions of the state, but more importantly traditional and faith based institutions” that was the humble admission by the Chairman of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga/Great Council of Chiefs (BLV/GCC) Ratu Epeli Ganilau. This he said was an unfortunate and gross omission.

However, he further highlighted, the BLV/GCC is working to demonstrate its acknowledgment of the contribution made by women in our multi ethnic community.

He was speaking at the opening of 5 day training workshop organized by the Women Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (Fiji) on Conflict Prevention and Early Warning at the Lagoon Resort, Pacific Harbour, today Monday 01 December at 1030am.

The training workshop, which is a joint government and NGO initiative, is designed to up-skill women peacebuilders, who are working at national and local level, as well as participants from the government sector, in particular the security sector, to:

- Strengthen their understanding and capacity on conflict early warning and prevention perspectives – particularly with regard to their work on gender equality and women’s human rights

- Strengthen the capacity of participants to provide gender equality and women’s human rights perspectives to mainstream prevention and early warning activities

Speaking to participants on the theme of the workshop, Conflict Prevention and Early Warning, from his professional experience as the former Commander of the RFMF, as well as a member of the BLV/GCC in 2000, highlighted the need to define his notion of peace and stability:

“Peace and stability is not only about the absence of war and violence but moreso it is about justice, it is about the disposition of justice.”

He continued to reiterate the need for equality, between men and women, and to ensure respect for all, the promotion of tolerance and inclusive policies, the implementation of fair and ethical practices and code of conduct, as well as about the recognition of diversities and differences, and an acceptance of one another as equal partners and not as adversaries:

“This is the reality of peace and stability, for without these then Peace is but a mere five letter word.”

Members of the WPS Fiji committee include: the Ministry of Women (Chair), Soqosoqo Vakamarama I Taukei, National Council of Women Fiji, the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA), Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, Fiji Women's Rights Movement, Young Women's Christian Association, Pan Pacific South East Asia Women's Association - Fiji Chapter (PPSEAWA Fiji), Fiji Association of Women Graduates, Catholic Women's League, Stri Sewa Sabha, National Council for Disabled Persons.

Please direct your media requirements to WPS Fiji Secretary Sharon Bhagwan Rolls on 9244871

“Unless the moment is seized, the opportunity will pass. We are all advocates of Resolution 1325 and we must ensure that rhetoric becomes reality” (1325 Enews September 6 2002)
Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was passed on October 31, 2000. For the text of the resolution please visit: http://www.peacewomen.org/un/sc/1325.html