Roshika Deo on democracy building and women’s rights in Fiji

Roshika Deo on democracy building and women’s rights in Fiji
Roshika Deo on democracy building and women’s rights in Fiji

Roshika Deo on democracy building and women’s rights in Fiji

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.
Roshika Deo is a pro-democracy, youth and gender rights advocate from the island country of Fiji. She created the “Be the Change” political campaign to encourage women and young people to embrace civic action. Deo will stand in elections this year - the first in Fiji since a 2006 military coup. For her work towards democratic change, social justice and ending discrimination and violence against women and girls, Deo recently won the U.S. Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage. The honor recognizes “…women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk.” Deo joined us while being hosted in the U.S. by the citizen diplomacy group, WorldChicago. She’ll talk about her movement to bring youth and women into Fiji politics PHOTO: Clockwise from top left, Dr. Nasrin Oryakhil, of Afghanistan, first lady Michelle Obama, Roshika Deo, of Fiji, Fatimata Toure, of Mali, Yassmin Barriosa, of Guatemala, Oinikhol Bobonazarova, of Tajikistan, Rusudan Gotsiridze, of Georgia, and Laxmi, of India, pose for a picture at the end of the 2014 International Women of Courage awards ceremony at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2014. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)