Women can rise as chief executives within their households and similarly achieve the same in the corporate world, according to a leadership expert from the Asia Development Bank. Sarah Boxall recently led a four-day program in Suva aimed at senior executive women aspiring to corporate leadership roles.
The event, organized by the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants, focused on building confidence, enhancing skill sets, expanding business knowledge, and fostering networks among women in senior positions within the private sector.
Ms. Boxall is a specialist in women’s economic empowerment at the Asia Development Bank’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative. Wiliki Takiveikata, president of the Institute, highlighted that the training has equipped participants with practical tools to advance their careers strategically.
“We hope they draw strength from the network they establish through the program and find motivation in the stories shared by our guest speakers on subjects like career transitions and effective board operations,” Takiveikata noted.
The training was conducted by Gina Houng-Lee and academic Nacaniela Rika, with participation limited to 25 women from 15 different organizations.
Ms. Boxall pointed out that Fiji lags behind neighboring island countries in female corporate leadership roles, hindering the nation’s full economic potential. She emphasized that the program is designed to elevate women to senior executive roles. However, she identified challenges such as organizational policies, workplace sexual harassment, and issues at the legislative and policy level that prevent women from maintaining long-term employment.
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