Goodwill recognition for former judge

Nasik Swami
Friday, March 29, 2013

THE Ministry of Women chose former High Court judge Nazhat Shameem as Fiji's Goodwill Ambassador for Women because she was the most deserving person identified for the role.

Minister for Women Dr Jiko Luveni said the ministry identified Mrs Shameem as she has been working with the ministry for long in preparing reports and formulating decrees that protected women.

Fiji's first Goodwill Ambassador was presented with a plaque of appreciation and certificate of recognition by the minister yesterday.

"She has been the person behind all the decrees put in place in the legal framework to protect our women. So there is no other most deserving person that we would bestow such a position," Dr Luveni said.

She said women's empowerment needed voices of influence.

"For you (Mrs Shameem) have not only excelled in your field, but shared time to better the lives of children, youths and people of Fiji through your engagement with other ministries, corporate bodies and civil organisations."

Dr Luveni said the Goodwill Ambassador would further the cause of women's rights.

Mrs Shameem said she felt honoured for being appointed the very first Goodwill Ambassador for Women in Fiji.

"I think it is recognition not of me but for the many women in Fiji," she said.

"It is recognition that they are important; that they hold up half the world and increasingly government policies and principles of governance should look at the implementation of policies and decision in terms of the impact it has on women's lives."

She said if she was able to contribute in some way to empowering women in Fiji and also having their voices heard, it would be a great honour and privilege.