GENDER EQUALITY- A WORK IN PROGRESS

In his closing remarks on the occasion of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces International Women’s Day program at Albert Park last night, Commander RFMF Major General Jone Kalouniwai said implementing gender equality in the RFMF was still a work in progress that requires a lot more effort.

While the expansion of roles for women in the armed forces around the world has evolved significantly over the decades, gender inequalities still persist.

“Gender reforms need to happen, the range of sweeping reforms around unacceptable behaviour, around ensuring a more gender-inclusive and a diverse military, around opening up pathways for women to enter leadership roles has to be accelerated.”

Commander RFMF added that the changing nature of the defence and security environment demands a range of expertise and experience.

“The RFMF of today demands a breadth of skills that include adaptability, strategic thinking, operating in small teams with minimal direction, remote work, intelligence collection and outreach to local populations which in particular is work where women are the most essential.”

Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said he hopes that under his command everyone will work together to define the true meaning of embracing a band of brother and sisters culture founded on the principles of ‘teamwork, respect and trust.’

“I want to emphasize that this cultural change will take time. Often it can be two steps forward and one step backwards. There will be critics and hostility. It will be a challenge for many who see the old and sometimes comfortable structures dismantled. It will also not result immediately in complete eradication of sexist attitudes and behaviours or abusive behaviours, by some.”

However, Major General Kalouniwai assured the servicewomen that as Commander, the RFMF’s response to these attitudes and behaviour will change and looks forward to them taking RFMF to new heights.

The event was also attended by defence partners and friends.