The number of indigenous Fijians do not reach the count of exactly 500,000, according to the Bureau of Statistics.
It’s been like that for some time now.
As we celebrate World Indigenous Day, I would like to ask a question to the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, our Attorney-General Siromi Turaga and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka why our unmarried iTaukei women can’t register or list their own children born out of wedlock or under their own tokatoka (sub-clan) and mataqali (clan) for that matter.
The iTaukei women mothers are already listed in their own VKB as bona-fide members? So, what is the fuss if they don’t want it registered under the man or fathers in the VKB?
That’s a woman’s right of choice or her Constitutional right to choose what she prefers. You cannot force her against her will?
That’s discrimination and is against our 2023 Constitution. But my concern is, what is the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement doing about it?
The same question goes to the other iTaukei parliamentarians – Honourable Lynda Tabuya and Lenora Qereqeretabua – both from Kadavu, who are always championing women’s rights.
In the eyes of the Lord Jehovah, we are all equal – men and women. So, please Mr PM, can you review and amend this piece of outdated discriminating NLC or TLFC legislation?
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