We were delighted to welcome Ms. Sashi Kiran, the Hon'ble Minister of Women, Children, and Social Protection of Fiji, to PRIA, along with Mr. Jagannath Sami, High Commissioner of Fiji to India. Ms. Kiran has served on numerous global civil society boards, including CIVICUS, ASPBAE, and the Global Network of CSOs on Disaster Risk Reduction. She has also collaborated with PRIA as the Founder & Director of the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development (FRIEND), an NGO based in Fiji. At the end of 2022, she resigned from FRIEND to contest in the Fijian general election, leading to her appointment as the Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation.
During her visit, Ms. Kiran fondly reminisced about her time as a youth board member of CIVICUS and ASPBAE, where she was mentored by Dr. Rajesh Tandon. She reflected on the lasting impact of Martha Farrell, whose legacy continues to inspire her in her work. Now, as a key leader in Fiji, Ms. Kiran is dedicated to empowering women and children through her current portfolio. Her journey from a passionate youth leader to a national figure is truly inspiring, and we look forward to witnessing the positive change she continues to bring in her field.
