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A history of Fijian women’s activism (1900-2010)

Mishra, Margaret C. (2012) A history of Fijian women’s activism (1900-2010). Journal of Women’s History, 24 (2). pp. 115-143. ISSN 1042-7961

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Abstract

Fijian women collectively challenged their double colonization since the 1900s. Indentured women workers pioneered “embryonic agitations” (evidenced through strikes, physical confrontations, and written petitions) against exploitative colonial officials and Indian overseers. The 1920s saw a shift in the nature of women’s activism towards a discourse of economic empowerment, with the rise of indigenous organic organizations like Qele ni Ruve. This period was followed by the transcultural platform of the Pan-Pacific and Southeast Asian Women’s Association in the 1940s and the contemporary women’s movement of the 1960s led by the Fiji Young Women’s Christian Association. The latter was marked by convergences with and divergences from transnational discourses. The focus-feminisms of the 1980s brought human rights to the forefront of women’s activism. This phase has continued until the present day, although there is now an emphasis on peace and reconciliation in post-coup Fiji.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: D History General and Old World > D History (General)
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Divisions: Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) > School of Government, Development and International Affairs
Depositing User: Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited: 23 Jan 2013 23:01
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2013 23:01
URI: https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/5422

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