Only five percent of technical positions in Fiji and the broader Pacific energy sector are held by women, a statistic that World Bank specialist Helle Buchhave suggests requires urgent attention. At the recent ‘Employ Women, Empower the Pacific Talanoa’ conference, Buchhave articulated the need for a substantial shift in gender representation within the energy sector. She noted that a staggering 57 percent of working-age women in Fiji and the Pacific remain outside the labor force, which represents a significant underutilization of potential human capital.
Buchhave highlighted that closing the gender gap could boost per capita income by as much as 22 percent. She emphasized the effectiveness of initiatives like Pacific Women in Power, which pairs women with experienced mentors to help encourage participation in the energy sector. Despite prevailing societal beliefs that energy jobs are primarily for men, industry leaders express support for women working within this field.
Furthermore, previous findings from reports emphasize similar concerns, revealing that only 43% of women in Fiji are part of the labor force, with ongoing gender biases affecting their employment opportunities. Experts argue that enhancing women’s access to education and legal protections, along with creating family-friendly workplace policies, is essential for addressing these disparities.
The sentiment that empowering women can lead to broader economic advancement is echoed in various initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap. These include educational reforms and community programs designed to encourage girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields, like engineering and technology.
Moreover, the efforts of organizations and government agencies to foster environments where women’s contributions are recognized are crucial for paving the way towards equality and enhancing overall productivity in the workforce. By collectively addressing these gender disparities, there is hope for a future where women’s roles in the economy are significantly strengthened, leading to a more equitable society for all.
Leave a comment