The first ever talanoa session I’ve experienced in any workshop that I’ve attended. It brought another dimension to the structure or the format of the Training. Involving only 5-6 people, sitting cross legged in a circle, having a conversation, while the rest of the participation sat around the circle and listened. The conversation was informal and allowed an easy flow of discussion on issues compared to a normal brainstorming session of workshops. However, it was somewhat annoying for some and also difficult to “get in” the circle and be part of the conversation. Questions could not be asked because participation was limited to people “in” the circle. The realization: maybe, that is the process of decision making or policy making in countries. Be it climate, economic or gender policies are only made within a small group. The challenge, and is probably not new, but to keep up with pressuring decision makers or policy makers to involve people, ordinary women and men in decision making through consultations or finding avenues for ordinary citizens to be involved in this important process in the Pacific. The challenge is also finding an avenue to get people (both women and men) to be more interested and be more active in issues such as economic justice, climate justice and gender justice.

Young Woman Activist, Fiji

GEEJ Pacific and Africa discussions are available at DAWN Informs December 2010 Issue.