fem’TALK February 2004
The monthly e-news bulletin from
femLINKpacific: Media Initiatives for Women, Suva, Fiji Islands

In this bulletin:

• Spaces of Our Own..reflections from Timor Leste
  
• Media Initiatives …..89.2FM confirmed
  
• fem’TALK 1325…IWDAY theme for Fiji includes Women and Peace
  
• The Women’s Civil Society…May is gearing up to be the month of women’s meetings – find out more
  

Spaces of Our Own:

How do you describe a visit to a country which faces a whole host of challenges in its reconstruction, following 25 years of violent armed occupation? That is the feeling we were dealing with as we boarded our flight from Dili to return to our own realities. As a participant at the recent Women Peacemakers Programme organized by the International Fellowship on Reconciliation (IFOR) and the Peace and Democracy Foundation, I joined women peacemakers from the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Bougainville and West Papua, as well as sisters from Timor Leste in a week of sharing and consultation on our common interest – creating a culture of non-violence. My colleague from the ECREA here in Suva, Koila, had spent an earlier week working with the local hosts to help them in the final preparations for this important consultation for the region and for the women of Timor Leste. What we take often so much granted – electricity, communications, etc here in Suva, are luxuries for our sisters in their work. During the course of the meeting, many stories were shared, many realities were addressed and I hope to do justice in future writings, to these notable examples of women’s ongoing struggle for Peace – in countries that are independent and of course, countries within our Pacific region, who continue to be harnessed to foreign political powers.

What is common, is that whatever the political structure, women’s efforts for peace, women’s efforts and voices in post conflict reconstruction remain invisible in the mainstream media. Having met so many women, including young women, who were part of the resistance in Timor Leste, who have faced situations that many of us would not even want to dream of …..Field trip visits to a range of women’s initiatives, as well as to the Santa Cruz Cemetary and the Truth and Reconciliation centre in Dili, were very emotional experiences for all of us ….many of use kept asking ourselves, each other, how can one human being do this to another ….and echoing the sentiments of our sisters in Timor Leste, when will there be real justice ? Real justice, for the widows, the orphans, real justice for the families still hoping and waiting for the return of those still missing. We were drawn home to the fact, that at times of conflict, war, armed occupation, no one is immune, the young, the old, men and women, and it seems in our time, in our recent history, and in our own Pacific region, war and conflicts have brought out the worst in humankind, when we will not stop short of anything.

Being in Timor-Leste at a time when many in the global women and peace network were gearing up for the e-discussion on 1325, the Commission of the Status of Women meeting in New York and 4th anniversary of 1325 (and the next report from the UN Secretary General) , I remain mindful that so many of the experiences of women remain invisible from official reports, documents and discussions.

It is imperative that the gains we have made, through UN SC 1325, through the commitments contained in the Beijing Platform for Action, through the ratification of CEDAW ….are not just words, but the basis for justice and for peace.

In solidarity, for Peace: Sharon Bhagwan Rolls, Coordinator/Producer-Director femLINKpacific.

Media Initiatives

• femTALK Sharing the Light, a community media initiative (video and magazine) is almost ready for distribution to women’s groups, NGO partners and other stakeholders, including the mainstream media in Fiji. We will be distributing 75 community media kits, containing a video and magazine, which have been produced with assistance from the World Association of Christian Communicators and UNESCO.
• 89.2fm has been assigned as femLINKpacific’s community radio “call sign” exciting confirmation as we work towards bringing in our ‘radio in a suitcase’ and then firming up plans for training and broadcasts of the ‘women’s weekend radio’…stay tuned for details.
  
• In production ……Edition 1 of fem’TALK 1325…our women and peace community magazine
  
• In pre-production/development: femLINKpacific is pleased to announce another Women’s Civil Society community video production is in the pipeline – with a grant from the Governance for Livelihoods and Development in the Pacific (GOLD) Project administered by the United Nations Office for Project Services, will enable us to share the story of the FDPA women’s group and human rights issues of concern for women with disabilities…a case story “Aliti’s Story” a truly heartwarming community project that is presently underway thanks to the ABC Foundation (Suva), Suva Private Hospital and the Champagnat Institute (organized by Ikbal and Kelsey Jannif) assisting 20 year old Aliti Vatucawaqa will provide a genuine insight into the types of community assistance which is being mobilized to help persons with disabilities not only secure medical assistance but also investment in education for their future.
  
• We are using radio BUT we’ve got to pay ….That’s the reality of many women’s organizations in our region – unlike Leitana Neihan Women’s Development Agency who has a free access to Radio Bougainville – Vois Blong Meri Solomon’s programme producer Ethel Suri highlights that …Fokupers …so for us at femLINK we are truly encouraged by the recent coroporate support from FBCL ….and also it strengthens the determination to keep working towards the women’s radio initiative
• And we celebrate with friends and colleagues across the globe the ‘official recognition’ of women’s media mentor, Anne Walker who was an Australia recipient of the Order of Australia: Member (AM) in the General Division. The award for
  Dr. Anne Shirley Walker is in honour for service to the international women's movement as a pioneer in the areas of human rights and economic and social justice, and as an advocate for the advancement of women in developing countries
  

fem’TALK 1325:

The National Planning Committee for Fiji's International Women's Day commemoration has confirmed the theme for the week-long activities as "Women, Peace and Security and HIV/AIDS free Fiji" which links together national and global priorities and themes, during a month when in New York, at the 48th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, attention will be focused on the theme women's equal participation in conflict prevention, management and conflict resolution and in post-conflict peace-building. Furthermore, momentum is gathering towards the fourth anniversary of Resolution 1325 (31 October 2004), when the Secretary-General will report to the Security Council on the status of its implementation.

Taking into account women's experiences and actions in relation to the political crises in Fiji in 1987 and 2000, the theme will hopefully further enable women to advocate for ongoing peace-building and reconciliation initiatives, as well as extend into the arena that has remained void of women's participation to date - that is decision making on issues of national security and defence, as well as conflict prevention.

As Fiji also continues to be an active player in peacekeeping operations within and outside the Pacific region, it is also important to consider the impact of such operations on women - as peacekeepers, as wives of peacekeepers, and of course the protection needs of women and children in the conflict areas where such operations are undertaken. It is hoped that this issue will also be highlighted during the national celebrations.

The inclusion of the "women and peace theme" into the national celebrations also recognises the initiatives to date by Fiji's Women, Peace and Security Coordinating Committee which was established in May 2003. It would also be worth noting that "Peace" is also one of the 14 priority areas identified in the Pacific Platform for Action, set for discussion and review in the
upcoming SPC Triennial meeting in May. The global theme for IWDay 2004 is Women and HIV/AIDS.

The Fiji planning committee, which is chaired by the Ministry of Women, includes representatives from UN agencies, Government representatives and women's NGOs.

Regular planning meetings have resulted in the confirmation of three key activities that will run during the week of the celebration - a reproductive health and HIV/AIDS workshop at the Soqosoqo Vakamarama Head office in Nabua, Skills training at Wesley Hall, Butt Street and CEDAW workshop (which will also address the Fiji Government's Women's Plan of Action) at the Forum Secretariat.
A women's march is also planned for the opening and closing of the week-long celebrations.

The planning committee meets again on Friday 13/2/2004.

About UN SC 1325: In October 2000, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. With this resolution, the Security Council affirmed for the first time that integrating a gender perspective and ensuring women's participation in decisionmaking was necessary at all stages of armed conflict, including pre-conflict. The upcoming 48th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (1-12 March 2004) has as one of its focus themes "women's equal participation in
conflict prevention, management and conflict resolution and in post-conflict peace-building." In addition, on 31 October 2004, the fourth anniversary of Resolution 1325, the UN Secretary-General will report to the Security Council on the status of the resolution's implementation.

Statement of Solidarity from Maubara:

“We recognize that foreign control has not ended for the women of Timor Leste and it is vitally important that women’s experiences and contribution are taken into account in the country’s current post conflict reconstruction and national development so that women, children and youth, who have contributed so much to the struggle for independence, can now be assured of sustainable peace.” That was the message of solidarity from participants at the Pacific Regional Consultation of the Women’s Peacemakers Consultation which ended today.

During a week that created a safe space for women to share their experiences and strategies for peace, as well as deepen their knowledge and skills of active non-violence, women from the Melanesian region, including the Fiji Islands, Solomon Islands, Bougainville and West Papua and Timor-Leste participants have learnt from each other, as well as a range of women’s groups who are now working actively in the current reconstruction stage.

“Recognising that after experiencing twenty-four (24) years of armed occupation, one which was one of the most violent occupations in our world and region’s recent history, the issue of Justice for the survivors of the violence, is recognized as a challenge, especially as much trauma healing needs to be undertaken before the survivors are ready to share their experiences. This is where our women’s peace networks can assist in sharing experiences and strategies to ensure that the victim-survivors social, economic and political needs are addressed, by their national government, as well as by the international agencies and organisations keen to assist in the reconstruction and rebuilding process. Without women’s active participation, this will only be at a very superficial level.”

Participants also noted with concern, that information, about the struggle for independence, as well as the current realities of the situation of women and children, and youth, are not being portrayed in a holistic manner by the mainstream media. “Coming here ourselves, we have recognised that many lessons can also be learnt from Timor-Leste also”, participants noted, “especially for countries in our region still struggling for political independence. WE are impressed by the development of the Constitution, and also the establishment of and community based the CAVR (Truth and Reconciliation Commission),” said a participant from Bougainville. As participants prepared to leave a new nation, one still in its political infancy, they were united in a commitment that for the greater Pacific region, a region whose name represents peace, there is still a real struggle ahead to ensure that the region is one where there is not only a respect of human rights and the dignity for all people, but also to strengthen their contribution to creating a Pacific that overcomes the violence that continues to plague their region.

The consultation, the first regional women’s meeting staged in Timor-Leste, was organised by the Peace and Democracy Foundation of Timor Leste and IFOR - The International Fellowship on Reconciliation (IFOR) Women Peacemakers Program (Netherlands).

Deadline Approaching for Nominations from the Pacific for the 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005: Have you organised your nomination? A reminder that deadlines for nominations is the end of April 2004 !

The main criteria for the peace women are summarized as follows:

• She employs and/or promotes active, non-violent responses to conflict situations
  
• Her work is sustainable and long-term
  
• She leads by example, acting with moral courage and responsibility
  
• Her work is exemplary and worthy of emulation
  
• She works for the cause of peace and not for political and/or personal gain
  
• Her work in transparent and based on tolerance
  

Completed nomination forms must be returned by post, fax or email on or before 30 April 2004 to the following address: Gender and Peace desk, ECREA, 5 Bau Street, GPO Box 15473, Suva, Fiji Islands
Fax: (679) 3311 248 Email: nicci.simmonds@1000peacewomen.org or gencom@ecrea.org.fj

A Virtues Fiji E-Note: What is Respect?
Respect is an attitude of caring about people and treating this with dignity. Respect is valuing ourselves and others. We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. When we are respectful we treat others as we want to be treated. Respect includes honouring the rules of our family, school or government, which makes life more orderly and peaceful. It is knowing that every man, woman and child deserves respect, including you.

The Women’s Civil Society: Congratulations to Fiji Association of Women Graduates President Dr Akanisi Kedreyate Tabualevu, who has been appointed Chairperson of the National Reconciliation Committee (Fiji)

From the Fiji Disabled People’s Association Women’s Group:
“As a woman with a disability, I would like to talk about how I think that parents should treat their disabled child. One good thing I have learnt is building confidence in each other helps a great deal. There are a lot of people who may be disabled in someway, but they are holding good posts such as teachers in different schools. Women work in garment factories and other places. This is quite encouraging for us. I think parents who have a disabled child should train them to be independent like any other children, This is so that they don’t feel different from others. When we are taken care of all the time, we cannot learn to do anything on our own. When the parents die that’s when a problem can start. Often nobody wants to look after a person with a disability so they become a burden to the society. In order to avoid this, we need to be able to lead our own lives. People in rural areas should be more educated on this. There should be a lot of awareness. Skilled people should conduct workshops, and media programmes and regular meetings should be held.”

Sushilla Lal, Advocacy Officer, FDPA Women’s Group, Suva, Fiji Islands

The Asia Pacific (ASPAC) Regional Assembly of the World Union of Catholic Women Organisation (WUCWO) will be staged in the Pacific Island region, for the first time from May 2nd to the 7th at the Raffles Tradewinds Convention Centre, and as the Catholic Women's League Fiji (CWL Fiji) prepare to host the expected 100 overseas delegates, they are rising to the challenge that extends beyond their daily service to the church and the local community as well. The planning committee is excited that one of the participants will be the World President of WUCWO !

Invitations have been extended to Pacific Island neighbours, and WUCWO members in Asia, including India, Pakistan, Burma and South Korea.
"This is a historical event for the Catholic Women's League of Fiji," says Conference Coordinator and CWL Fiji International Secretary, Susana Evening:

"In the history of the ASPAC regional meetings, it has usually been the bigger countries, such as Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and the Phillipines who have hosted the meeting. So this is an opportunity to really present the situation of Pacific Island women to our sisters in the WUCWO network. We are also very grateful to Archbishop Mataca for his spiritual guidance and support in our preparations to date."

In 1968, the League became a founding affiliate member of the National Council of Women Fiji (NCWF) Today, the Catholic Women's League is one of the largest affiliates of the NCWF. The CWL Fiji has been a member of the World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations (WUCWO) since 1970.

The planning for this year's regional conference actually began in 1998 when the CWL Fiji first offered to host the conference and current CWL Fiji
President, Daini Naulu, is encouraged by the volunteerism and enthusiasm shared by the organizing committee:

"We, like so many women's organizations and groups in the country, rely on our membership to volunteer their time after work, around their regular daily commitments to also assist us in making this a successful event, not only for the Catholic Women's League, or the representatives from the local parishes who will be attending a delegates, but everyone who is committed to supporting the advancement of women in this country, for people who are committed to the elimination of violence against women. Violence against women and children, worsens daily, especially because many of our families are suffering from poverty and problems related to economic disempowerment.

Whilst the spiritual development of its membership, remains our priority, the CWL Fiji remains constant in our belief that prayer and action go
together, so whilst we continue to offer spiritual support and guidance to our members, we are also mindful that we need to address the policy issues related to such problems."

Sub committees have been established to handle everything from Fundraising to Craft displays, Protocol, Liturgy, and also to train and prepare local participants to consider and prepare the 'Fiji perspective' to incorporate into the conference proceedings and resolutions, as Naulu, explains:
"The theme for the Conference is "The Prophetic Mission of Women in Asia and Pacific" and the two key topics that we will be addressing are Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation, and Violence against Women and Children. Both these topics are extremely relevant for us, and it is an opportunity as Catholic women, as Christian women, to come together to deliberate collectively and to listen to and learn from the range of experiences that will be shared in plenary and workshop sessions, and develop strategies we can offer to our governments and other agencies to collectively combat all forms of violence."

The Commonwealth 7th Women’s/ Gender Affairs Ministers Meeting (WAMM) will be held in Nadi from 31st May – 3rd June 2004 and will be hosted by the Ministry of Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation.

NCWFiji will be the local host organization for the NGO Partners Forum which will involve the civil society representatives who will be attending the 7WAMM. The Partners Forum will take place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th May 2004. Both meetings will take place at the Sheraton Hotels with the 7WAMM governmental meeting taking place at Sheraton Fiji and the NGO Partners Forum taking place at Sheraton Royal.

As part of the preparations towards the WAMM Civil Society Meeting, NCWFiji has set up a Local Planning Committee. The Committee members include Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Soqosoqo Vakamarama, NCWFiji, Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association, and individuals such as Ms. Parul Deoki – Stri Sewa Sabha, Mrs. Selina Johnson - Jet Set Blooming Association and Mrs. Vasiti Pettitt – Ba Province Soqosoqo Vakamarama.

The Local Planning Committee had its first meeting on Monday 24th November where responsibilities were delegated to the various committee members. NCWF President attended the Commonwealth Civil Society meeting on Democracy in Abuja, Nigeria from 1st – 7th December where she had the opportunity to meet with the International Steering Committee and have further discussions on the 7th WAMM Civil Society Meeting. Forty women are expected to attend the meeting from Commonwealth countries and Fiji will have a delegation of ten participants to the meeting which will involve members of the Local Planning Committee.

Launched on the 21 January 2004 by the Hon. Mick Beddoes and now available is ECREA’s 2004 Social Justice Calender and educational posters & brochures.

The Calendar, posters & brochure (in Fijian & English) are aimed at educating & empowering local communities & people about social justice issues such as a just society, poverty & community empowerment. An initiative of ECREA’s Economic and Social Justice Programme the material has been developed in conjunction with ECREA research assistants, community workers and those who participated in ECREA’s 2003 Workshops on Community Empowerment and Understanding Poverty and Development. The Posters & Brochures (with art work by David Antonio) aim to explain the notions of A Just Society, Fighting Poverty, & Community Empowerment. The 2004 Calendar has beautiful photographs by Jone Luvenitoga and has inspirational messages throughout. Copies of the calendar, posters & brochures are free and we would welcome any help in the distribution. So if you are after free material to hand out at workshops/meetings etc then we can help. Please call in to the ECREA office at 5 Bau Street to pick up copies or contact Semiti Qalowasa 3307 588 or researchers@ecrea.org.fj.

This update was compiled by fem’LINKpacific: MEDIA INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN, a Media-based NGO committed to the research, development, production and distribution of community media initiatives:

“Maturity means recognizing that you exist in an inequitable community of people, with wide disparities of opportunities, of incomes, of privileges and of power or access to resources. Maturity recognizes your privileged situation within that community… We are all in this world to serve.” (Savenaca Siwatibau)

For more information about our work write to:
The Coordinator
P O Box 2439, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji Islands
Phone 679 3316290 Mobile: 9244871
Fax (c/- Caines Jannif Limited Head Office) 679 3301925