Dialogue Fiji Says Women Were Invited But Did Not Respond/Weren't Available

Dialogue Fiji has responded to recent social media criticism over the composition of the panel for its upcoming national discussion on constitutional review, saying the claims being circulated are misleading and not based on facts.

The organisation said suggestions that no effort was made to include women on the panel were “entirely untrue.” According to Dialogue Fiji, eight women were invited to participate in the event, including senior academics, lawyers, and civil society leaders.

Dialogue Fiji Executive Director, Nilesh Lal, said the organisation went to great lengths to ensure gender balance.

“A total of eight women were approached for this panel. We sent follow-up emails, we made calls. Two did not respond, one declined, and five advised that they were unavailable on the scheduled date,” Mr Lal said.

“In fact, more effort was put into securing female participation than for any of the male panellists.”

He said it was regrettable that these facts were not sought before public criticism was made.

Lal noted that Dialogue Fiji has, for more than a decade, been one of the few organisations consistently creating neutral spaces for open discussion on national issues, particularly where political sensitivities make such dialogue difficult.

“In an environment where universities and many institutions have stepped back from hosting such conversations, Dialogue Fiji continues to facilitate them independently and in the public interest,” he said.

The upcoming public discussion focuses on ensuring Fiji’s constitutional review process is legitimate, inclusive, and reflects the will of the people. With government expected to table constitutional amendment-related legislation, Dialogue Fiji says national conversations on trust, participation, and process are crucial.

“What matters most is that these conversations take place in a constructive manner,” Lal said.

“Dialogue Fiji encourages citizens, academics, civil society groups, and political leaders to engage openly and respectfully. It is through dialogue, not division, that Fiji can move forward.”