Sweta Maharaj

ESSAY SUBMISSION

Theme: Balance the Scales: Empowering Fijian Women and Girls through Education 

The scale is down, the scale is low,

Where silent girls have nowhere to go.

Tilted by chores, tipped by the night,

A girl in the shadows, out of the light.

BUT WAIT

Hear the click, hear the clack,

She’s got a bag upon her back!

Hear the flip, hear the page,

She’s the leader of the stage!

One side rises, one side falls,

She’s breaking down the heavy walls.

Balance the scales, let her be free,

Education is the golden key!

Fiji strong, Fiji fair,

With a girl’s bright future everywhere

 

“Balance the Scales” in my Fiji community means creating a society where girls are valued, protected, and given equal opportunities to succeed. It means removing the unfair barriers that prevent girls from feeling safe, confident, and respected. In many parts of Fiji, girls are talented and hardworking, yet they are still judged differently from boys. To truly balance the scales, we must create a community where girls can speak freely, dream boldly, and live without fear.

 

Although Fiji is developing, many girls still face challenges that are often ignored. Some experience harassment in public places, cyberbullying on social media, or pressure to remain silent about unfair treatment. Others are discouraged from becoming leaders because society believes boys are naturally stronger or more

capable. These attitudes slowly damage girls’ confidence and limit their potential. Equality cannot exist when girls constantly have to prove their worth.

 

One local challenge I have noticed is that many young people stay silent when girls are bullied, disrespected, or treated unfairly. Silence allows discrimination to continue. This is why I believe one powerful action young people can take is becoming active voices for respect and equality. Young people have the ability to influence schools, families, and online spaces. Even small actions can create meaningful change.

 

Students can organize awareness campaigns in schools that encourage respect for girls and educate others about gender equality. Social media can also be used positively to spread messages against violence, bullying, and harmful stereotypes. Instead of sharing negativity online, young people can use their platforms to support and uplift girls. When students stand together, they create a safer and more united environment.

 

Education is another important way to make girls safer and stronger. Schools should encourage girls to participate in leadership, sports, and public speaking so they can build confidence and believe in their abilities. Girls should never feel limited because of their gender. When communities invest in girls’ education and confidence, they are investing in a stronger future for Fiji.

 

Families and community leaders must also support this change. Parents should teach both sons and daughters the value of respect, equality, and kindness. Leaders should create safe spaces where girls feel heard and protected. Real change happens when the entire community works together instead of leaving girls to fight these battles alone.

 

In conclusion, “Balance the Scales” means building a Fiji where girls are not underestimated, silenced, or unsafe, but empowered to succeed. Young people have the power to challenge unfair attitudes and inspire change through awareness, respect, and unity. If we work together today, we can create a future where every girl in Fiji feels strong, safe, and equal.

 

References

                    Fiji multi-Country Office. (n.d.). UN Women | Asia and the Pacific. https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/countries/fiji

                    UNICEF Pacific Islands. (n.d.). Www.unicef.org. https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/