Gender Equality And Social Inclusion
At the Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS), our humanitarian mission is guided by the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. We are dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities across the four geographical divisions of our nation.
In Fiji, like many places, we acknowledge the existence of differences and inequalities between men and women, influenced by both lived experiences and deeply ingrained cultural norms. Recognizing this diversity and disparity, FRCS firmly believes that every individual, regardless of gender, should have equal access to their rights, opportunities, and choices in life.
Understanding Gender
FRCS acknowledges that “gender” encompasses the social attributes and distinctions associated with being male or female. It’s important to note that this term doesn’t replace “sex,” which refers exclusively to biological differences. Men and women often assume different roles in society, resulting in distinct needs. A gender perspective is essential to ensure that these specific needs, vulnerabilities, and capacities (taking into account factors like class, ethnicity, race, and religion) are acknowledged and addressed.
Our Goals
Our primary goal is to promote gender equity, equality, and social justice in Fiji’s sustainable development and in all of FRCS’s initiatives. We firmly believe that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a crucial component of economic growth and development.
We recognize that factors like ethnicity, disability, religion, and gender often intersect, creating multiple sources of discrimination against women in Fiji. Consequently, we affirm that:
- Natural disasters, conflicts, social, and political instability can impact men and women differently. Therefore, integrating a gender perspective into Red Cross actions is a strategic necessity to fulfill our humanitarian mandate effectively.
- FRCS, serving diverse communities and cultures, adopts a culturally sensitive approach to mainstreaming a gender perspective in our work.
- The full participation of both men and women in all Red Cross initiatives not only ensures gender equality but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of our organization’s work.
While our primary focus is on ensuring gender sensitivity within our existing programs, we are prepared to implement projects that specifically assist particular groups of men or women if local circumstances require such action. Our commitment is unwavering: to foster a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their gender or background.