Women in Fiji and Commonwealth countries are disproportionately affected by crisis like COVID-19 and climate change - Konrote

President Jioji Konrote says women in Fiji and throughout the Commonwealth countries have a critical role in the development of their country, and are disproportionately affected by crises like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Konrote highlighted this in his message during the Commonwealth Day and International Women's Day morning tea reception at the State House.

He says women still suffer from domestic abuse and sexual assault throughout the Commonwealth.

Konrote says he does not want to give the impression that women are just victims as they have also been leading the COVID-19 response to save lives, empower communities, medical professionals, humanitarian workers, development specialists and caregivers.

While delivering the Queens Commenwealth Day message, the British High Commissioner to Fiji, George Edgar says while the experiences of last year have been different across the Commonwealth, stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory notably, by those working on the frontline who have been delivering health care, and other public services in their communities.

He says we have had to become more accustomed to connecting and communicating via innovative technology, which has been new to some of us with conversations and communal gatherings, including Commonwealth meetings conducted online, enabling people to stay in touch with friends, family, colleagues and counterparts who they have not been able to meet in person.

Edgar says the need to maintain greater physical distance, or to live and work largely in isolation has for many people across the Commonwealth been an unusual experience in their everyday lives.