Women leaders can inspire June 23, 2013 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom By ROSI DOVIVERATA Repeated exposure to female leaders helps us understand that women can be competent leaders. Not only do they become role models but also an aspiration to younger women and girls. Although the first generation of women leaders may encounter significant prejudice, their presence causes us to realise that women have the ability to lead effectively. This paves the way for others to go farther. Female leaders’ impact reaches beyond the natural into the realm of aspirations, which may lead to enduring change. We highlight today some women politicians who have served: PIONEER ADI LOSALINI DOVI She was described as an effective member of the Legislative Council and spoke boldly on any issue that she felt strongly about. She was so dignified and graceful at the same time and commanded the respect of the people. Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau said the late Adi Losalini, was one of three amazing women who served in Parliament and local government in the 1970s. She had one goal for Fiji, a truly better Fiji for all. Adi Losalini was the eldest child of Ratu Taniela Veikoso Uluiviti and Laisani Valotu (of Bau). Her husband, Dr Ratu Jione Atonio Rabici Doviverata, was Roko Tui Bau, a Fijian paramount chief and younger brother of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna. They had four children: Ratu Joni Maenabua Tuimacilai Madraiwiwi, Ratu Timoci Taniela Taliai Tavanavanua, Adi Litiana Maopa and Adi Viviana Valotu Sofi Veisaca. In 1966, she was nominated by the Great Council of Chiefs to be one of the first pioneer lady members in the Legislative Council. The Legislative Council at the time was composed of Fijian, European and Indian Members (MLCs) who held communal seats restricted to their respective races. Europeans and Indians elected their members while the Fijians elect the majority and retained nomination by the Great Council of Chiefs for two. For the 1966 session, she was nominated and Loma Livingstone was elected for a European seat and they were the first two lady Members of the Legislative Council. Irene Jai Narayan joined them when she beat Andrew Deoki in the Suva Indian Communal seat 1968 by-election. Adi Losalini was elected to the House of Representatives in the 1972, 1977 (March), 1977 (September) and 1982 elections. She joined the Alliance at its founding and was Party Secretary for a short time and was replaced by Isimeli Bose. Adi Losalini also served as the Government Whip in the very first session of Fiji’s newly constituted post-independence Parliament, and a member of Cabinet in the portfolios of Urban Development, Women and Social Welfare. She was widowed early in her political career with the death of her husband and proceeded to raise, and educate her children as a single parent. She fell victim to cancer in the early 1980s and succumbed in late 1983. Fiji Fashion Week director, Ellen Whippy-Knight recalls the day she met Adi Losalini. “At 18 years old as I prepared to go to the University of the South Pacific, my father told me that Adi Losalini Dovi, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi’s mother, who was then a senior Alliance Party member had a job for me. “I was honoured to meet with her in the Alliance HQ at Albert Park at the time. She said: “Your mother is from Bau, your father’s mother Adi Salineta is a High Chief from the Macuata clan and the current Tui Labasa and being a Whippy you come from the biggest part-European clan in Fiji – the Whippy’s. She said you have the connections, go out there and revive the Young Alliance.” RECENT ADI ASENACA CAUCAU She was a colourful character who served as Minister for Women and Minister for Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation from 2001 to 2006. She was later given the Minister of State for Housing portfolio. Adi Asenaca Caucau stood in the Tailevu South Lomaiviti Open Constituency in the 2001 and 2006 general elections. She won on both occasions on the first count. In November 2005, Adi Asenaca made headlines claiming that many beggars were imposters. Many were professionals who already had food and shelter, she claimed. Some even allegedly owned and rented out houses to others. Some people were using the lifestyle of begging to make money, sometimes as much as $35 per day, she said. Fiji Labour Party parliamentarian Pratap Chand disagreed with Adi Asenaca, saying that most beggars did not enjoy their lifestyle but had no choice. Current occupation: Lives in the United States of America and runs a home and financial services business. Standing for 2014: She has no intentions of returning home but constantly thinks of Fiji’s economic and political situation. “My heart is bleeding for our country and I know that things will improve. “From this end, I’m helping out family and relatives by sending carton loads of stuff and money. That’s how I’m contributing to things back home,” she said. MONICA RAGHWAN Ms Raghwan became the youngest member of the House of Representative when she won her seat in the 2006 elections. Standing on a Fiji Labour Party ticket, she defeated Tupeni Baba of the Soqosoqo ni Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party. They stood in the Samabula Tamavua Open Constituency. After completing her primary education at Veiuto Primary School and secondary education at Suva Grammar School, she studied at the University of Madras, India graduating with Bachelor of Science majoring in Botany. Ms Raghwan later studied at the University of the South Pacifi c, obtaining Post Graduate Diploma in Biology (Plant Breeding). Current Occupation: She is employed in her family business, Raghwan Construction. Standing in September 2014: Most likely, as she has been involved in Fiji Labour Party meetings with the United Front for a Democratic Fiji. NANISE NAGUSUCA A career librarian, Ms Nagusuca worked on attachment in the United States and Canada, as well as the Western Regional Library in Lautoka. The by-election for the North East Urban Fijian Communal constituency in 2004 saw her elected to the House of Representative. The by-election was held to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Filimone Banuve, the previous member. Like Mr Banuve, Ms Nagusuca was a member of the ruling Soqosoqo ni Duavata ni Lewenivanua Party (SDL). Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase named Ms Nagusuca to the new portfolio of Assistant Minister For Fijian Affairs, Culture, and Heritage. She has Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of the South Pacific. Standing for 2014: Most likely, as she has been involved in recent meetings with the Social Democratic Liberal Party officials. fijisun.fj/2013/06/23/women-leaders-can-inspire/
Posted on: Sun, 23 Jun 2013 21:28:58 +0000
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