DOCSLIB.ORG

The Politics of Affirmative Action in Post Colonial Fiji

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Politics of Affirmative Action in Post Colonial Fiji View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by The Australian National University PACIFIC ECONOMIC BULLETIN Vakatorocaketaki ni taukei: the politics of affirmative action in post colonial Fiji Steven Ratuva This article examines the relationship between affirmative Steven Ratuva is a political action and regime change in Fiji—in particular, how affirmative sociologist at the University of action has been used as a tool of social engineering. It argues Auckland. that affirmative action is more than an ordinary policy prescription; rather, it has fundamental social engineering and restructuring intent, based on political and ideological considerations. Changes in the affirmative action programs have been associated with changes in the interests of the ruling élites, and, since independence, there have been shifts in emphasis and strategies resulting from the interests of the élites. Many affirmative action programs have led to failure and loss of state resources. Since the military coup in 2006, most of the affirmative action programs associated with past regimes have been removed, including through the dramatic control and then weakening of the indigenous Fijian middle class, which benefited from past affirmative action policies. Paradoxically, under the rubric of ‘rural development’, the interim government has reinvented affirmative action, but it is now targeted at poor rural villagers and shuns the middle class. Affirmative action is an often-controversial on ‘preferential policies’ can be misleading mechanism used by states to address issues because, as shown in countries such as of equity, conflict resolution, historical repa- Malaysia and Fiji, affirmative action can be ration and empowerment for disadvantaged a framework for major restructuring and groups. It is commonly conceptualised social engineering. This article argues that as government-mandated ‘preferential rather than being just a policy response to policies’ towards government-mandated historically defined conditions, it is often groups (Sowell 1990:10). Sowell’s emphasis driven by political, economic and ideo- 168 Pacific Economic Bulletin Volume 25 Number 3 © 2010 The Australian National University Pacific Economic Bulletin Volume 25 Number 3 © 2010 The Australian National University VakatorocakEtaki ni taukEi: THe pOLITICS OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN pOST-COLONIAL FIJI logical imperatives for the purpose of social of the underlying assumptions is that the reconstruction and engineering. Affirmative creation of equity and a just society is a action in Fiji has been driven by evolving precondition for political stability (Kende political imperatives—initially, by the push 2009). In some of these counties (the United for multi-racialism after independence in States, India, Canada and Brazil), the 1970; by ethno-nationalism after the 1987 designated categories are minorities, while and 2000 coups; and by counter-ethno- in others (Fiji, Malaysia, South Africa and nationalism after the 2006 coup—all for the Namibia), the designated categories are not purpose of socially engineering a new order only ethnic but also politically dominant (Ratuva 2009). majorities. Cottrell and Ghai (2007) make The theoretical discourse on affirmative the argument with respect to Fiji that indig- action spans a number of areas includ- enous Fijians were not exploited minorities ing political representation, educational and did not deserve affirmative action; opportunities, employment, and economic however, the complex interplay between advancement for disadvantaged social politics and ethnicity created a situation groups, identified on the basis of gender, where ‘affirmative action becomes deeply class, caste, ethnicity or physical disability implicated in inter-community politics as (Kellough 2006; Lipson 2006; Sterba 2009; well as in the structure of the state’ (Cottrell Wines 2006). There has also been recogni- and Ghai 2007:228). tion of the importance of psychological The criticism of affirmative action as approaches concerning the cognitive and ‘reverse discrimination’ is based on the behavioural dispositions of designated assertion that it is contradictory and mor- and non-designated communities and the ally repugnant to use categories such as impact of these on society as a whole (Bobo sex, religion or race—which were the basis 1998; Crosby and Franco 2003). The question for earlier discrimination—as the basis for of who should be part of the designated affirmative action (Faundez 1994:4). While category and the justification for defining ethnic affirmative action is highly contro- the designated category are often political versial, gender affirmative action is the least (Neblo 2009) based on negotiating the bigger controversial because of the cross-communal issues: ethnic relations, conflict, culture, and increasingly internationalised and power and equality. Attempts at implemen- universally accepted principle of gender tation through use of labour-market quotas equality. There is a strong argument that have been contested by some on the basis if gender-based affirmative action—or of equity and justice—the same arguments any other form of affirmative action for used to justify affirmative action in the first that matter—is compensatory or based on place (Jain, Sloane and Horwitz 2003). reparation then it is morally justified (Pincus Some justificatory principles for affirma- 2003). tive action are quite common in some The debate about affirmative action in countries. The notion of ‘correcting historical Fiji has largely revolved around a number of wrongs’ is used in the United States (Pincus issues, including the need for equity, nation 2003), South Africa (Horwitz 2009), Canada building, conflict resolution, rights of indi- (Agocs 2009) and Namibia (Usiku 2009); genes, and the definition and composition while ‘equity creation’ is used in Malaysia of the ‘disadvantaged’. The first argument, (Gometz 2009), Brazil (Bernardino-Costa based on the International Labour Organisa- 2010), Northern Ireland (Harvey 2010), Fiji tion (ILO) Convention of Indigenous Rights (Ratuva 2010) and India (Parikh 2010). One (169), was that indigenous Fijians—because 169 Pacific Economic Bulletin Volume 25 Number 3 © 2010 The Australian National University PACIFIC ECONOMIC BULLETIN of their relative lack of entrepreneurial development carried out within the ambit participation, educational and profes- of the People’s Charter (Government of Fiji sional achievement, and socioeconomic 2008)—a social engineering framework for development, and by virtue of their being socioeconomic and socio-political transfor- indigenes—should be the main designated mation in Fiji. category (Fijian Initiative Group 1992; Gov- One of the first tasks of the military ernment of Fiji 1990; Qarase 1995). Herein regime when it captured state power in was a veiled warning that failure to address the December 2006 coup was to engage in the Fijian question would continue to create comprehensive political engineering—a conditions for ethno-political volatility and component of which was the eradication conflict (Fisk 1970; Government of Fiji 2001). of any institution, program or policy from So, affirmative action was seen as serving the old order that it considered archaic, cor- multidimensional interests—as a means of rupt or racist. Affirmative action was one redressing inequality, as an unquestioned of their main targets, primarily because it natural right of indigenous Fijians, and as was seen to be pro-indigenous Fijian and a conflict-resolution mechanism. was thus considered ‘racist’, and, worse The second and contrary position was still, affirmative action was shrouded in that the disadvantaged category should controversy as a result of a major corruption be de-ethnicised and inclusive to include scandal (the so-called ‘agricultural scam’) anyone from any ethnic group considered under the deposed government of Laisenia to be socioeconomically disadvantaged—a Qarase (‘Agriculture scam trial continues’, principle that was seen to reflect the spirit Fiji Times, 7 July 2008). Affirmative action of multiculturalism, inclusivity and ‘social has never been mentioned in any of the justice’ enshrined in the 1997 Constitution military regime’s policy statements, except (Government of Fiji 1997:s. 44, pp. 32–3). in derogatory terms when reference has The third argument was that affirmative been made to the Qarase government (‘Fiji action should be targeted at addressing pov- goes on the offensive’, Island Business, 4 erty because poverty was trans-ethnic and December 2008). The paradox is that the was worsening as a result of a number of military regime has reinvented affirmative factors, including the contracting economy action to shift it away from consolidating an and lack of opportunities (Chand 2007; indigenous middle class to service delivery ECREA 2005). to indigenous rural villagers as a strategy The fourth argument—advocated by to boost indigenous Fijian development the current ruling military regime—is that (vakatorocaketaki ni taukei) (Government of affirmative action is fraudulent and a tool Fiji 2009). One of the consequences of this of rent seeking and corruption by both approach was the general weakening of the indigenous Fijian and non-indigenous Fijian established indigenous middle class through élites, rather than a means of advancement forced removal of prominent individuals for disadvantaged groups (Ratuva 2009). from key public service, board and state The military
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Theparliamentarian
    th 100 anniversary issue 1920-2020 TheParliamentarian Journal of the Parliaments of the Commonwealth 2020 | Volume 101 | Issue One | Price £14 SPECIAL CENTENARY ISSUE: A century of publishing The Parliamentarian, the Journal of Commonwealth Parliaments, 1920-2020 PAGES 24-25 PLUS The Commonwealth Building Commonwealth Votes for 16 year Promoting global Secretary-General looks links in the Post-Brexit olds and institutional equality in the ahead to CHOGM 2020 World: A view from reforms at the Welsh Commonwealth in Rwanda Gibraltar Assembly PAGE 26 PAGE 30 PAGE 34 PAGE 40 CPA Masterclasses STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) exists to connect, develop, promote and support Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance, and Online video Masterclasses build an informed implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. parliamentary community across the Commonwealth Calendar of Forthcoming Events and promote peer-to-peer learning 2020 Confirmed as of 24 February 2020 CPA Masterclasses are ‘bite sized’ video briefings and analyses of critical policy areas March and parliamentary procedural matters by renowned experts that can be accessed by Sunday 8 March 2020 International Women's Day the CPA’s membership of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff across the Monday 9 March 2020 Commonwealth Day 17 to 19 March 2020 Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC) Conference, London, UK Commonwealth ‘on demand’ to support their work. April 24 to 28 April 2020
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural Adaptation and the Westminster Model: Some Examples from Fiji and Samoa
    Cultural Adaptation and the Westminster Model: Some Examples from Fiji and Samoa by Richard Herr Law Faculty, University of Tasmania and Adjunct Professor of Governance and Ethics, Fiji National University. for HOW REPRESENTATIVE IS REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY? Australasian Study of Parliament Group ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2 OCTOBER 2014 Author’s Caution: This paper very much reflects the author’s interpretation of events in which the author has a continuing involvement. Its analysis meant to be objective as possible but objectivity itself can be controversial in uncertain times. This difficulty is cannot be resolved but it is acknowledged. Cultural Adaptation of the Westminster Model: Some Examples from Fiji and Samoa R.A. Herr* Paper Abstract: The Westminster form of responsible government has been extensively adopted and adapted countries around the world including many of the 14 independent and self‐governing states in the Pacific Island region. Yet, either formally or through the informal continuation of customary practices pre‐Westminster political processes remain contemporary influences within the region. This paper touches on two sources of tension in the process of cultural adaptation of the Westminster system in the region. Samoa has long managed to draw a stable, majority‐supported ministry from the parliament without significant difficulty but electorally its non‐ liberal traditional system has proved challenging. The accommodation has worked consistently over decades to preserve fa’a Samoa (Samoan custom) as a central element in its political processes. By contrast, following the December 2006 military coup, Fiji had also sought to remove its non‐liberal traditional elements in order to address the sources of domestic tension that stemmed from the use of the Westminster system.
    [Show full text]
  • Portfolios Held by Women Ministers
    Women in Women in Parliament The countries are ranked and colour-coded according to the percentage of women in unicameral parliaments or the lower house of parliament. Reflecting elections/appointments up to 1 January 2010. Ministerial Positions Rank Country Lower or single House Upper House or Senate The countries are ranked according to the percentage % W Women Seats % W Women Seats of women in ministerial positions.‡ Reflecting appointments up to 1 January 2010. 50 to 59.9% Rank Country % W Women Total 1 Rwanda 56.3 45 / 80 34.6 9 / 26 ministersዚ 40 to 49.9% 2 Sweden 46.4 162 / 349 — — / — Over 60% 3 South Africa* 44.5 178 / 400 29.6 16 / 54 1 Finland 63.2 12 / 19 4 Cuba 43.2 265 / 614 — — / — 50 to 59.9% Women in Politics: 2010 5 Iceland 42.9 27 / 63 — — / — 2 Cape Verde 53.3 8 / 15 6 Netherlands 42.0 63 / 150 34.7 26 / 75 3 Spain 52.9 9 / 17 7 Finland 40.0 80 / 200 — — / — 4 Norway 52.6 10 / 19 35 to 39.9% 40 to 49.9% Situation on 1 January 2010 8 Norway 39.6 67 / 169 — — / — 5 Chile 45.5 10 / 22 9 Mozambique** 39.2 98 / 250 — — / — ” Iceland 45.5 5 / 11 10 Angola 38.6 85 / 220 — — / — 6 Sweden 45.0 9 / 20 11 Argentina 38.5 99 / 257 35.2 25 / 71 7 Switzerland 42.9 3 / 7 Without the active participation 12 Belgium 38.0 57 / 150 40.8 29 / 71 8 Denmark 42.1 8 / 19 ” Denmark 38.0 68 / 179 — — / — 9 Liechtenstein 40.0 2 / 5 of women and the incorporation 13 Spain 36.6 128 / 350 30.8 81 / 263 35 to 39.9% 14 Andorra 35.7 10 / 28 — — / — 10 Austria 38.5 5 / 13 of women’s perspective 15 Costa Rica 35.1 20 / 57 — — / — ” Nicaragua* 38.5 5 / 13 30 to 34.9% ” Saõ Tomé and Principe* 38.5 5 / 13 11 Honduras 35.7 5 / 14 at all levels of decision-making, 16 New Zealand 33.6 41 / 122 — — / — 12 Costa Rica 35.0 7 / 20 17 Nepal 33.2 197 / 594 — — / — 30 to 34.9% the goals of equality, 18 Germany 32.8 204 / 622 21.7 15 / 69 Greenland 19 T.F.Y.R.
    [Show full text]
  • Baha'i News Baha'i Year 139 October 1982
    Baha'i News Baha'i Year 139 October 1982 The Mountain Brown experience: Teaching in Papua New Guinea WITH SORROWFUL HEARTS ANNOUNCE EXECUTION ON 11 AUGUST IN URUMIYYIH ACTIVE BAHA'[ ALI NA'IMIYAN AFTER BEING IMPRISONED ONE YEAR. PRESSURES INTENSIFYING AGAINST BELIEVERS IRAN. CALL UPON FRIENDS CONTINUE EFFORTS BEHALF OPPRESSED BRETHREN CRADLE FAITH. UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE AUGUST 30, 1982 Baha'i News Baha'i Year 139 No. 619 ISS N 0195-9212 USPS 040-140 The first of five International Conferences is held in Dublin, Ireland . ..... 1 Quito, Ecuador, is the site of the second International Conference . ...... 3 The Faith is represented at a United Nations seminar in Sri Lanka . ...... 6 A memorial service honors conservationist Richard St. Barbe Baker . .... 7 The Senate of Fiji passes a resolution condemning Iran persecutions . ... 8 In Papua New Guinea, an ongoing teaching effort is highly successful .. 10 Around the world: News from Baha'i communities all over the globe . ... 12 Baha'i News is publ ished monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the BaM'is of the United States as a news organ reporting current activities of the Baha'i world community. Manuscripts submitted should be typewritten and double spaced throughout; any footnotes should appea r at the end. The contributor should keep a carbon copy. Send materials to the Periodicals Office, Baha'i National Center, Wi lmette, IL 60091 , U.S.A. Ch anges of ad­ dress should be reported to the Office of Membership and Records, Baha'i National Cen ter. Please attach mailing label. Subscription rat es: one year, U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • A Case Study of Rotumans
    144 Fijian Studies Vol. 4 No. 1 the recommendations of the UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Safe- guarding of Traditional Culture and Folklore2 (herein referred to as the Recommendation). While neither of these are legally binding, it can be Protection and Promotion of Culture at the Community argued that by virtue of being members of the United Nations and United Level: A Case Study of Rotumans Nations Education, Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO), mem- ber states have an obligation to uphold the principles of these organisa- tions and make policies designed to help minority communities to protect Kylie Anderson and promote culture and language. with While emphasizing the role of the Government, the UNESCO Rec- Feskatoa Isimeli ommendation also makes clear the role of the community and individuals: ‘(f)olklore, as a form of cultural expression, must be safeguarded by and for the group (familial, occupational, national, regional, religious, ethnic, Abstract etc.) whose identity it expresses’ (UNESCO, 1989). In the Pacific, human rights debates often focus on political and The importance of the role of the community has also been recog- economic discussions, leaving issues related to culture and language nised in other UNESCO documents. The Language Vitality and Endan- aside. Yet the potential loss of language and culture has been identi- germent report asserts that, in regards to language preservation, ‘(i)n the fied as being of great concern to many within the region. This con- end, it is the speakers, not outsiders, who maintain or abandon languages’ cern is also apparent on an international level with a growing num- (UNESCO, 2003).
    [Show full text]
  • The People Have Spoken the 2014 Elections in Fiji
    THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN THE 2014 ELECTIONS IN FIJI THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN THE 2014 ELECTIONS IN FIJI EDITED BY STEVEN RATUVA AND STEPHANIE LAWSON PACIFIC SERIES Published by ANU Press The Australian National University Acton ACT 2601, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at press.anu.edu.au National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Title: The people have spoken : the 2014 elections in Fiji / editors: Steven Ratuva, Stephanie Lawson. ISBN: 9781760460013 (paperback) 9781760460020 (ebook) Subjects: Elections--Fiji Election law--Fiji. Fiji--Ethnic relations--Political aspects. Fiji--Politics and government. Other Creators/Contributors: Ratuva, Steven, editor. Lawson, Stephanie, editor. Dewey Number: 324.99611 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover design and layout by ANU Press. Cover photograph: ‘The Government Buildings in Suva Fiji’ by Stemoc. This edition © 2016 ANU Press Contents 1. ‘The People Have Spoken …’ ...........................1 Steven Ratuva and Stephanie Lawson 2. Shifting democracy: Electoral changes in Fiji. .17 Steven Ratuva 3. Chiefly leadership in Fiji after the 2014 elections .............41 Stephanie Lawson 4. Fiji Indians and the Fiji general elections of 2014: Between a rock and a hard place and a few other spots in between ....................................59 Brij V Lal 5. ‘Unfree and unfair’?: Media intimidation in Fiji’s 2014 elections ...83 David Robie 6. From the land to the sea: Christianity, community and state in Fiji—and the 2014 elections .................109 Lynda Newland 7.
    [Show full text]
  • Anti Bullying and Harassment Policy
    STUDENT ANTI-BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY The Senate of Fiji National University, by resolution adopts the following Policy. STUDENT ANTI-BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY 1. Name of Policy This is the Student Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy. 2. Commencement This Policy commences on 30 April 2021. 3. Adopted This Policy is adopted from the University of Lincoln Student Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy 4. Policy is binding Except to the extent that a contrary intention is expressed, this Policy binds the University and all students, staff, workers and affiliates. 5. Policy Statement 5.1 Fiji National University is committed to a working and learning environment that is free from harassment, including discrimination, victimisation and bullying, and in which no student feels under threat or intimidated. In this context, allegations of harassment and/or bullying by students against other students will be taken seriously by the University. 5.2 If substantiated, allegations of harassment and/or bullying will provide grounds for action under Part VII of University Academic & Student Regulation (UASR). 5.3 The University recognises that harassment and/or bullying incidents can affect a ‘ ‘person’s work, morale, physical and mental health. Therefore, all complaints (informal or formal) will be dealt with promptly, following discussion with the student(s) affected. Information shall only be shared with others on a need to know basis and with the complainant’s knowledge. 02 STUDENT ANTI-BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY 5..4 This procedure applies to all students and relates to those who are being bullied by an other student. Allegations of bullying or harassment against a staff member must be dealt with through the Part VII of University Academic & Student Regulation (UASR).
    [Show full text]
  • The Military Coup and Coerced Affirmative Action
    Politics of preferential development Trans-global study of affirmative action and ethnic conflict in Fiji, Malaysia and South Africa Politics of preferential development Trans-global study of affirmative action and ethnic conflict in Fiji, Malaysia and South Africa Steven Ratuva Published by ANU E Press The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at http://epress.anu.edu.au National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Author: Ratuva, Steven, author. Title: Politics of preferential development : trans-global study of affirmative action and ethnic conflict in Fiji, Malaysia and South Africa / Steven Ratuva. ISBN: 9781925021028 (paperback) 9781925021035 (ebook) Subjects: Minorities--Political aspects--Fiji. Minorities--Political aspects--Malaysia Minorities--Political aspects--South Africa. Fiji--Ethnic relations--Political aspects. Fiji--Race relations--Political aspects. Malaysia--Ethnic relations--Political aspects. Malaysia--Race relations--Political aspects. South Africa--Ethnic relations--Political aspects. South Africa--Race relations--Political aspects. Dewey Number: 305.8 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover design and layout by ANU E Press Cover image: The multi-coloured design on the cover is a mural at the back of the stage of the Lambert Hall at Marist Brothers High School, Suva, Fiji. It was painted by the author when he was a 16 year old student and depicts multidimensional forms of political and cultural relationships such as conflict, domination, accommodation and respect in a multi-ethnic society like Fiji.
    [Show full text]
  • Fiji Before the Storm
    Fiji Before the Storm Published by ANU E Press The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at http://epress.anu.edu.au National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Title: Fiji before the storm : elections and the politics of development / Brij V. Lal, editor. ISBN: 9781922144621 (pbk.) 9781922144638 (eBook) Includes bibliographical references and index. Subjects: Constitutional law--Fiji. Fiji--Politics and government--20th century. Fiji--Economic conditions. Other Authors/Contributors: Lal, Brij V. Dewey Number: 320.99611 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover photo courtesy of AP Photo/Edward Wray. This edition © 2012 ANU E Press Contents Tables and figures vi Glossary viii Contributors x Acknowledgments xi Map xii Chapter one The future of our past 1 Brij V. Lal Chapter two The Fiji Islands in transition: personal reflections 7 Sitiveni L. Rabuka Chapter three A time to change: the Fiji general elections of 1999 21 Brij V. Lal Chapter four Understanding the results of the 1999 Fiji elections 49 Robert Norton Chapter five Elections and the dilemma of indigenous Fijian political unity 73 Alumita Durutalo Chapter six Peripheral visions? Rabi Island in Fiji's general election 93 Teresia K. Teaiwa Chapter seven Land, Lome and the Fiji sugar industry 111 Padma Lal Chapter eight Inshore fisheries development in Fiji 135 Joeli Veitayaki Chapter nine Women and politics in Fiji 149 Chandra Reddy Chapter ten Economic challenges facing Fiji before the storm 161 Biman Prasad Chapter eleven Madness in May: George Speight and the unmaking of modern Fiji 175 Brij V.
    [Show full text]
  • Women in Politics
    Women in Women in Parliament The countries are ranked and colour-coded according to the percentage of women in unicameral parliaments or the lower house of parliament. Reflecting elections/appointments up to 1 January 2010. Ministerial Positions Rank Country Lower or single House Upper House or Senate The countries are ranked according to the percentage % W Women Seats % W Women Seats of women in ministerial positions.‡ Reflecting appointments up to 1 January 2010. 50 to 59.9% Rank Country % W Women Total 1 Rwanda 56.3 45 / 80 34.6 9 / 26 ministersዚ 40 to 49.9% 2 Sweden 46.4 162 / 349 — — / — Over 60% 3 South Africa* 44.5 178 / 400 29.6 16 / 54 1 Finland 63.2 12 / 19 4 Cuba 43.2 265 / 614 — — / — 50 to 59.9% Women in Politics: 2010 5 Iceland 42.9 27 / 63 — — / — 2 Cape Verde 53.3 8 / 15 6 Netherlands 42.0 63 / 150 34.7 26 / 75 3 Spain 52.9 9 / 17 7 Finland 40.0 80 / 200 — — / — 4 Norway 52.6 10 / 19 35 to 39.9% 40 to 49.9% Situation on 1 January 2010 8 Norway 39.6 67 / 169 — — / — 5 Chile 45.5 10 / 22 9 Mozambique** 39.2 98 / 250 — — / — ” Iceland 45.5 5 / 11 10 Angola 38.6 85 / 220 — — / — 6 Sweden 45.0 9 / 20 11 Argentina 38.5 99 / 257 35.2 25 / 71 7 Switzerland 42.9 3 / 7 Without the active participation 12 Belgium 38.0 57 / 150 40.8 29 / 71 8 Denmark 42.1 8 / 19 ” Denmark 38.0 68 / 179 — — / — 9 Liechtenstein 40.0 2 / 5 of women and the incorporation 13 Spain 36.6 128 / 350 30.8 81 / 263 35 to 39.9% 14 Andorra 35.7 10 / 28 — — / — 10 Austria 38.5 5 / 13 of women’s perspective 15 Costa Rica 35.1 20 / 57 — — / — ” Nicaragua* 38.5 5 / 13 30 to 34.9% ” Saõ Tomé and Principe* 38.5 5 / 13 11 Honduras 35.7 5 / 14 at all levels of decision-making, 16 New Zealand 33.6 41 / 122 — — / — 12 Costa Rica 35.0 7 / 20 17 Nepal 33.2 197 / 594 — — / — 30 to 34.9% the goals of equality, 18 Germany 32.8 204 / 622 21.7 15 / 69 Greenland 19 T.F.Y.R.
    [Show full text]
  • Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook
    Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook FOUNDATION OF THE PEOPLES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC FIJI ISLANDS COMMUNITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK Published by The Foundation of the People of the South Pacific International Suva Fiji © The Foundation of the People of the South Pacific International, 2010 First published 2005 This revision 2010 Content Supervisor Albert Cerelala Editor Evan Naqiolevu Cover design Ron Philitoga Photographs Josie Crick & FSPI Acknowledgment The FSPI would like to acknowledge Ausaid for funding this publication. The Foundation of the People of the South Pacific International (FSPI) is the regional secretariat for a network of 10 independent community-based organisations working in the Pacific to foster self-reliance and sustainable development. This FSPI publication is copyright and can not be sold commercially or reproduced without FSPI’s permission. They may contain material for which other people or organisations hold copyright. Such material should not be reproduced without permission of the relevant copyright holder. Every effort has been made to trace and acknowledge owners of copyright. These have been adapted to meet the needs of the people. ii iii Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................1 SECTION 1 CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT ...........................................................3 SECTION 2 RESOURCE allocation AND participatory BUDGETING ...............43 SECTION 3 GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES ...........................................................................71 SECTION 4 STaTuTory BodIeS and non-GovernmenT orGanISaTIonS ......101 ii iii iv 1 Fiji Islands Community Information Handbook INTRODUCTION Welcome! The Fiji Islands Community Handbook has been designed to inform and help you to understand the way government functions and how the constitution is an important document that is for all citizens of Fiji.
    [Show full text]
  • Jekesoni Yavalanavanua
    Jekesoni Yavalanavanua Ratu Jekesoni Lewenilovo Yavalanavanua (born 3 October 1952) is a Fijian chief and former politician, who served as a member of the Senate of Fiji.[1] He hails from the chiefly village of Somosomo, on the island of Taveuni, Cakaudrove Province. He is the Secretary General of the Council of Chiefs of the Vanua of Lalagavesi (Cakaudrove). He spent 17 years working under the Ministry of Fijian Affairs as Assistant Roko Tui, Acting Roko Tui and Executive Officer. Ratu Jekesoni Lewenilovo Yavalanavanua (born 3 October 1952) is a Fijian chief and former politician, who served as a member of the Senate of Fiji. He hails from the chiefly village of Somosomo, on the island of Taveuni, Cakaudrove Province. He is the Secretary General of the Council of Chiefs of the Vanua of Lalagavesi (Cakaudrove). He spent 17 years working under the Ministry of Fijian Affairs as Assistant Roko Tui, Acting Roko Tui and Executive Officer. Ratu Jekesoni Lewenilovo Yavalanavanua is a Fijian chief and former politician, who served as a member of the Senate of Fiji.[1] He hails from the chiefly village of Somosomo, on the island of Taveuni, Cakaudrove Province. He is the Secretary General of the Council of Chiefs of the Vanua of Lalagavesi . He spent 17 years working under the Ministry of Fijian Affairs as Assistant Roko Tui, Acting Roko Tui and Executive Officer. In 2006 he was nominated as a Senator by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. Jekesoni Yavalanavanua. Wikipedia open wikipedia design. This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Ratu Jekesoni Lewenilovo Yavalanavanua (born 3 October 1952) is a Fijian chief and former politician, who served as a member of the Senate of Fiji.[1] He hails from the chiefly village of Somosomo, on the island of Taveuni, Cakaudrove Province.
    [Show full text]