FWRM Disappointed with reaction to Dr Kuruleca's Appointment
 Rokovada |  |  |
Fijileaks: As is standard procedure, questions are being asked whether any background checks were conducted to find out if the applicant, during her career, abused her position while attending to her vulnerable clients? The PSC is refusing to respond to our questions, and whether Kuruleca holds a DOCTORATE in Pyschotherapy
 |    Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has defended his decision not to accept Selina Kuruleca as his Permanent Secretary. |
'As a former school teacher, a USP lecturer, a mental health professional, an iTaukei and a woman, I am the best for PS Education Job.' | MISSED OUT: |
FWRM Disappointed with reaction to DrKuruleca's Appointment
The Fiji Women's Rights Movement (FWRM) is disappointed with the way the appointment for the Permanent Secretary (PS) position for the Ministry of Education has been handled by the Minister for Education and union representatives.
Dr Selina Kuruleca, whose appointment was confirmed by the Public Services Commission (PSC) and due to have begun work on July 3rd this week, has been rejected by her own Minister, Aseri Radrodro, an act that not only undermines the qualifications and capabilities of Dr Kuruleca - a professional woman in her own right -but also the decision made by PSC.
"We are disappointed with this turn of events. In the line-up of new PS appointments, we only have three women. Dr Kuruleca has contributed immensely to the fields of teaching and mental health. Why is she not the right candidate for the PS role? This reeks of gender bias.
Dr Kuruleca is not being given the chance to take up her post, despite meeting the criteria and deemed the best candidate. What are the justifications of the Minister and the unions rejecting her appointment to the education ministry? And why do they think they have to be consulted when the law clearly states otherwise. Section 126 –1 of the constitution confirms that ministers are not required to be consulted about appointment of Permanent Secretaries," FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh said.
Ms Singh said gender prejudices and stereotypes are often a major barrier of women at work, issues that women's rights groups have continuously advocated against as it prevents the recognition of women's contributions and limits their achievements at work.
"Gender bias impedes the advancement of women's careers – when we talk about the glass ceiling – this is the glass ceiling for women. Dr Kuruleca is more than capable of handling the role of the PS. We are saddened that issues around her appointment have been thrashed about in the media after processes have been followed as there could have been better ways to address this issue. PSC has done what needs to be done. We call on the Minister and the unions to respect the decisions made by the Commission," Ms Singh said.
FWRM believes that to truly provide an opportunity for women's advancement into leadership positions, organisations including the state ministries and departments need to overcome gender bias in the workplace and other professional settings.
A research on leadership perceptions in Fiji conducted by FWRM in 2022 found that 69 percent of 906survey respondents indicated that “gender stigmatisation” decreased a woman’s chances of being 'elected' as a leader.A combined 74% (agreed and strongly agreed) that performance rewards are easily awarded to men, while women have to work twice as much.
"Our society lacks the provision of enabling working environments for women. In order to truly give both women and men an equal platform and chance to excel into leadership positions, we need to be aware of our own unconscious bias and stereotyping," Ms Singh said
.
FWRM hopes that a solution is met and chaos over Dr Kuruleca's appointment diminishes.
The Fiji Women's Rights Movement (FWRM) is disappointed with the way the appointment for the Permanent Secretary (PS) position for the Ministry of Education has been handled by the Minister for Education and union representatives.
Dr Selina Kuruleca, whose appointment was confirmed by the Public Services Commission (PSC) and due to have begun work on July 3rd this week, has been rejected by her own Minister, Aseri Radrodro, an act that not only undermines the qualifications and capabilities of Dr Kuruleca - a professional woman in her own right -but also the decision made by PSC.
"We are disappointed with this turn of events. In the line-up of new PS appointments, we only have three women. Dr Kuruleca has contributed immensely to the fields of teaching and mental health. Why is she not the right candidate for the PS role? This reeks of gender bias.
Dr Kuruleca is not being given the chance to take up her post, despite meeting the criteria and deemed the best candidate. What are the justifications of the Minister and the unions rejecting her appointment to the education ministry? And why do they think they have to be consulted when the law clearly states otherwise. Section 126 –1 of the constitution confirms that ministers are not required to be consulted about appointment of Permanent Secretaries," FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh said.
Ms Singh said gender prejudices and stereotypes are often a major barrier of women at work, issues that women's rights groups have continuously advocated against as it prevents the recognition of women's contributions and limits their achievements at work.
"Gender bias impedes the advancement of women's careers – when we talk about the glass ceiling – this is the glass ceiling for women. Dr Kuruleca is more than capable of handling the role of the PS. We are saddened that issues around her appointment have been thrashed about in the media after processes have been followed as there could have been better ways to address this issue. PSC has done what needs to be done. We call on the Minister and the unions to respect the decisions made by the Commission," Ms Singh said.
FWRM believes that to truly provide an opportunity for women's advancement into leadership positions, organisations including the state ministries and departments need to overcome gender bias in the workplace and other professional settings.
A research on leadership perceptions in Fiji conducted by FWRM in 2022 found that 69 percent of 906survey respondents indicated that “gender stigmatisation” decreased a woman’s chances of being 'elected' as a leader.A combined 74% (agreed and strongly agreed) that performance rewards are easily awarded to men, while women have to work twice as much.
"Our society lacks the provision of enabling working environments for women. In order to truly give both women and men an equal platform and chance to excel into leadership positions, we need to be aware of our own unconscious bias and stereotyping," Ms Singh said
.
FWRM hopes that a solution is met and chaos over Dr Kuruleca's appointment diminishes.
