Westpac Fiji has unveiled its 15th annual Women and Girls Education Grant, reaffirming its strong commitment to fostering gender equality. The program provides crucial financial assistance to female students at various education levels, offering grants of $500 for primary school students, $1,000 for those in secondary school, and $2,500 for tertiary and adult learners. Since its inception, the program has supported over 30 recipients.
In conjunction with the celebrations for International Women’s Day, Westpac branches organized community walks and activities aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusivity. Westpac Fiji CEO Shane Smith commented that investing in women’s education not only promotes social justice but also serves as a catalyst for both economic and social progress.
Demonstrating its commitment to diversity, women account for 60 percent of Westpac Fiji’s workforce, and 40 percent of leadership positions are held by women. Moreover, the bank is proud to be a signatory to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code and has trained more than 39,000 women in financial literacy over the past decade.
This year, the grant competition invites participants to engage creatively—primary school students are encouraged to create posters reflecting supportive environments for girls, while secondary school students are tasked with essays focusing on empowering women in Fiji. Tertiary and adult learners are encouraged to share personal narratives that illustrate the benefits of investing in women and girls. Applications for this year’s grant close on July 31, and interested individuals can find more information on the Westpac website.
The positive impact of initiatives like the Women and Girls Education Grant underscores the importance of continuing efforts toward gender equality and the empowerment of women in education across Fiji. As more young women receive support for their educational pursuits, it contributes to building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
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