Helping To Balance The Scales In Fiji (Press, 25 March 1987)

Patricia Jalal, a 26-year-old lawyer returning to Fiji after studying law in Auckland, confronted a stark culture shock, noting the troubling status of women in Fijian society. She expressed concern over the overt discrimination in law and education, stating that women are often seen as second-class citizens, dependent on men. Despite her aspirations to be a lawyer, her family's expectations pushed her towards marriage and children, with her father suggesting that her desire for independence was only understandable if she were unattractive. Choosing to remain single, Patricia highlighted both the struggle to find a partner who shares her views on marriage and cultural expectations for women to marry within their race. Her activism was sparked by the plight of garment workers who protested for better wages in early 1986, which led to a short-lived law establishing a minimum wage before being revoked due to manufacturers' complaints. In response to ongoing issues concerning women's rights, Patricia and a group of advocates from the Women's Crisis Centre founded the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement to address employment discrimination, immigration laws, and the narrow legal definitions surrounding rape and domestic violence. The movement aimed to reform laws that currently provided inadequate protection for battered women and limited rights for divorced women concerning property ownership and maintenance. They also began engaging with political candidates to gauge their views on women's rights and equality in education and employment. Despite the absence of a revolutionary approach, Patricia insisted on the importance of gradual change, which would also respect the diverse racial and cultural landscape of Fiji. A notable decision was to exclude abortion from the movement’s agenda due to the societal stigma surrounding it in Fiji, particularly among various religious communities. This risk of losing broader support led to strategic choices focusing on building credibility first. Holding a position as a government lawyer, Patricia sought to foster dialogue around women’s issues in schools and other public forums, gaining constructive responses despite challenges stemming from her activism. As she navigated the complexities of advocating for women's rights, Patricia expressed a sense of isolation stemming from her cultural background, particularly as traditional practices still dominated social events. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to her mission, indicating how critical it is to establish a strong and united front for women’s rights in Fiji.

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