Josephine Williams – Nadi

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Josephine was a Councillor with Nadi Town Council for 9 Years. She is now semi-retired but continues to provide advice to youth and women in her church community.

“The fundamentals of being a good leader are love, tolerance and respect. I try to put all these values together to achieve the best results possible.”

Early experiences

I am a long serving member of the hospital board in Nadi with a special interest in working on women’s issues. I was also greatly involved in the community through St Vincent de Paul and was the first women’s chair of the Catholic Parish Council of St. Mary’s Church as well as a member of the education board. I have also worked for many years in the hotel industry.

The Big Decision

I fell into my role in local government by accident. I was recognised in the community for the work I had done and there was overwhelming support for my candidacy. When elected, I was confident that I could represent ratepayers well.

Support

My family and extended family supported me during the election campaign. My campaign managers were my sons and their wives. I also received generous support from friends and family that live overseas. I was supported by the ratepayers in my ward and others around Nadi including church members. I also received training from UNIFEM (Women in Politics Project) before the election.

Obstacles

Working with men was a challenge. The men’s perspective differed a lot and they supported each other on issues. Policy issues did not have a gender balance because the men were uneducated on the need for considering gender differences.

An additional challenge was working through difficult race issues. I achieved success by trying to understand why certain people behave in certain ways – I mentally changed places. I always treated others as I would like to be treated

Accomplishments

During my term I successfully worked with people with limited focus and took into account their varying interests. I achieved this by standing my ground and working on issues in the interest of all ratepayers and not any individual or political party.

After being elected mayor of Nadi town (1997-98) I was able to positively impact on development, for example infrastructure, beautification, schools, sports, music and arts. Before becoming mayor, I was deputy mayor for three years and also chaired the parks and gardens committee of council.

Words of Advice

Every woman wanting to join local government should know what they are getting into before starting. You also have to build a strong character because participation requires one to be strong in mind and body. ‘To get respect, one has to give respect’. You also have to develop greater tolerance.

It is also important to prioritise your family and seek their support before venturing into public life because after public life is over, only your family remains.

• Josephine is ‘semi-retired’. She is still actively involved with her church and provides advice to youth and women in her church community.

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