Virisila Buadromo

Virisila Buadromo is a strong advocate for equality, human rights, the rule of law and democracy. In 2001 she became the Executive Director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) lobbying for gender equality through legislative reform and policy change. Challenging social norms has been particularly difficult as Fiji has suffered from unstable governments, culminating in a military coup in December 2006. Following the 2006 coup, Ms. Buadromo was targeted by the regime for her work on behalf of citizens’ rights. Undaunted by her experience, Ms. Buadromo and her team have expanded FWRM’s scope in the community, by further developing the Emerging Leaders Forum, a year-long feminist leadership program for young women. FWRM’s has continued working to reform Fiji Islands’ archaic, discriminatory Family Laws, through three coup d’etats and three different governments. Despite Fiji’s chaotic political climate, Ms. Buadromo and her team continue to help women and children access justice and defend their rights.