Shamima Ali Calls for Ministry to Step In Over Kava Ban on Women

Shamima Ali has called on the Government, particularly the Ministry of Women, to intervene following a decision by the vanua of Qoibau in Labasa to ban women from drinking kava.

The coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre described the move as discriminatory and a setback for women’s rights.

“It is outrageous that women still have to go through discriminatory practices such as these in this modern day and age,” she said.

Ms Ali said Fiji had ratified key international conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, yet discriminatory by-laws were still being allowed to exist.

“For a country that prides itself on these commitments, it is unbelievable and ridiculous to see that discriminatory by-laws continue to thrive.”

She stressed that all laws and policies must align with the Constitution and not override the rights of individuals.

“We must not forget that policies and bylaws must not supersede our national laws and the rights afforded to us under the Constitution.”

Ms Ali warned that such practices could reinforce inequality and urged authorities to act to ensure women’s rights are protected.