By Talebula Kate in Suva
Fiji’s new Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya, plans to use surveys and online platforms as an integral part of her ministry
During her official welcome yesterday along with her assistant minister, Sashi Kiran, Tabuya said that over the years she had made it her life goal to help those less fortunate.
She was happy that she could continue what she loved to do on a national stage in helping all Fijians.
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“As an integral part of my ministry, I plan on asking you — the citizens of Fiji — about the best way forward utilising surveys and online platforms,” Tabuya said.
“One of the foundations for building a better Fiji is providing equal opportunities to all Fijians irrespective of age, gender, physical ability or income level.”
To promote inclusivity and development, her ministry would continue to serve all Fijians through:
- The care and protection of children
- Greater policy intervention for older persons and persons with disability
- More innovative and targeted income support to families living or caught in the cycle of poverty; and
- Promoting gender equality and empowering women to reach their full potential.
Tabuya looked forward to strengthening and building on good partnerships with organisations whose activities and outputs support the ministries strategic objectives and those who provide services in the area of child protection and safeguarding, older people, people with disability, gender equality, women’s empowerment and ending violence against women and girls.
“During the turmoil of the last couple of months, the hymn ‘We Shall Overcome’ was often used as a source of inspiration,” she said.
“At this juncture, Fiji faces daunting poverty levels and incidences of domestic violence, but despite all these challenges I believe with God’s help and everyone working together, we shall overcome.
“I’m looking forward to working for the most disadvantaged in our society and together rebuilding Fiji into the way the world should be.”
Talebula Kate is a Fiji Times journalist. Republished with permission.
