A WOMEN's activist has called for the even distribution of resources in a bid to meet goals outlined by the United Nations Women's agency.
Fiji Women's Crisis Centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali said most funding for programs directed at empowering women was spent on consultants instead of projects.
Her comments follow the United Nations announcement yesterday of its historical move to consolidate and upscale its actions and plans on gender equality through the UN Women agency, and commence work proper.
"Here in Fiji and the Pacific there has been a lot of work and projects done on the issues raised by the UN by local non-government organisations and Pacific island governments," she said.
"Funding is used for these existing local NGOs who understand the cultural and religious aspects of the area within which they have been working."
Ms Ali said the UN initiative indicated the UN's recognition of the significance of gender equality and the human rights of women as an essential tool for development and progress.
"This is also recognition of the suffering women and girls endure through various forms of violence committed against them as well as the discrimination they continue to experience.
"This initiative should not only include member states but also other UN agencies and international development agencies to agree on international standards for gender equality and implement those standards."
