WOMEN's participation in elections is important, says Jeanette Bolenga, the UN Women's Gender Equality in Political Governance deputy program manager and Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) facilitator.
UN Women recently ended a week-long workshop on gender and elections in the three divisions in partnership with the Social Welfare Ministry.
The workshops put elections in context of governance and democracy, helping the participants improve their skills, knowledge and confidence as election professionals and others involved in the elections process.
"The workshops were aimed at helping women advocacy groups understand the electoral process and develop strategies to promote women's participation," Ms Bolenga said.
She said the workshops couldn't have come at a better time as Fiji worked towards the 2014 general elections.
The participants learnt about the fundamental principles of gender equality, women's political participation and electoral issues in general and how they affected women's representation.
It helped enable participants reflect on Fiji's electoral system and equip them with the skills to develop strategies to overcome obstacles that women face in politics.
"It provided tools for all participants to look at elections from a gender perspective and also a networking opportunity for women's advocacy groups," said Ms Bolenga.