A tribute to Amelia Rokotuivuna, a Fijian feminist who fought for peace, justice and equality On June 2, 2005, a woman of extraordinary energy, passion and ability who dedicated her life to promoting peace, democracy and social justice, died in Suva, Fiji, at the age of 63.
Amelia Rokotuivuna was a community leader far ahead of her time, who grew up in the mining town of Vatukoula and went on to become a head girl of Adi Cakobau School in Sawani, one of Fiji’s most prestigious school for girls.
She was a founder of the Fiji Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), joining Australians Ruth Lechte and Anne S Walker in 1962 to begin the programs of an activist organisation that worked for peace and democracy in a multi-cultural Fiji.
In 1967, she attained a diploma in social administration and development from the University of Swansea in Wales, returning to become general secretary of the Fiji YWCA in 1973. For the next two decades in this position, Amelia led the fight on issues such as equal rights for women, a nuclear-free Pacific, political reform and multi-culturalism. She advocated for those without a voice, reminding the great and powerful of their obligations to the poor and disadvantaged. Referring to her charismatic leadership of the YWCA during those years, Dr Wadan Narsey, formerly an economics lecturer at the University of the South Pacific (USP) and regular columnist with The Fiji Times, wrote: “As an Indo-Fijian non-Christian male, I found myself on YWCA committees on issues such as economic justice, constitutional reform, the anti-nuclear movement and numerous other important issues of the time.”
a point. She was a founder of the Fiji
Young Women’s Christian Association
(YWCA), joining Australians Ruth
Lechte and Anne S Walker in 1962
to begin the programs of an activist
organisation that worked for peace
and democracy in a multi-cultural Fiji
Picture: FILE
In furtherance of her anti-nuclear beliefs, Amelia took centre stage at the non-governmental meeting held parallel to the first United Nations world conference on women in Mexico City in 1975, speaking out against nuclear testing and raising the awareness of the world regarding the continuing abuse of the Pacific and its peoples by nuclear powers. The Fiji coups in May 1987 demonstrated the real character of Amelia. Never was her fearlessness and true grit more splendidly displayed. She defied many of her own people to commit to a multicultural, tolerant and caring vision of Fiji. Amelia, among others, was imprisoned briefly for her beliefs.
From 1992 to 1995, Amelia worked as program secretary for advocacy for the World YWCA in Geneva. At the time of her death she was president of the Fiji YWCA board of directors and a lecturer at the University of the South Pacific. Amelia leaves behind a son, Peceli, who continues her work as a community activist, brothers Apisalome (Mudu) and Sevuloni, sister Veniana and their families, and the family of sister Manaini (dec.).
She will be sorely missed by family and friends alike, but her life spent in the search for peace, equality and justice in Fiji and the South Pacific will be forever cherished and celebrated.
- Remember to share the story of a Fiji YWCA leader you want to celebrate for their inspiration, courage, story, passion and sisterhood. These leaders are intergenerational, intercultural, intersectional and they remind us that leaders are beyond power positions, beyond designations and more in making an impact on communities, on lives and on individuals for the better. Let us celebrate this power of YWCA leaders from local to global!
- Tribute source IWTC Written by Anne S Walker, AM, with excerpts from eulogies by Fiji Senator ‘Atu Emberson Bain and Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, Vice President of Fiji.
