31 May 2004

Commonwealth Women's Affairs Ministers meet in Fiji to consider gender issues

7:15 am on 31 May 2004

Women's representatives from 36 countries are set to meet in Fiji today.

Commonwealth countries have sent 1-hundred and 35 delegates for a meeting of ministers for women's affairs.

A strong military and police presence has been established at Nadi International Airport and the resort where the meeting is being held.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, says the meeting is designed to highlight problems and find ways to resolve them.

"Well this is a triennial meeting, where Commonwealth ministers responsible for Women's Affairs, get together, look at areas where they can see problems, and clearly identify what they can do about those issues."

Don McKinnon.

The meeting will also discuss how to increase women's input into governance.