Dr. Daniel Wood, a leading academic at the University of the South Pacific (USP), emphasizes the necessity for Fiji to address gender disparities in engineering by focusing on women’s education from an early age. While female enrollment at USP is high, participation specifically in engineering fields remains disappointingly low, with only about 30% in civil engineering and as low as 14% in mechanical and electrical engineering.
Dr. Wood advocates for introducing science education to young girls as far back as kindergarten, arguing this early intervention is crucial for fostering interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. He believes that while scholarships can help attract female students, they are not a comprehensive solution. Continuous support and involvement in science from early educational stages are essential to ensure that girls feel invited to pursue STEM paths.
This perspective aligns with broader trends observed in the region, which highlight the importance of early encouragement and reform in educational approaches to increase female participation in fields where they are historically underrepresented. For instance, similar initiatives in Fiji—such as the Women in Tech Fiji Chapter—seek to empower women in tech and bridge the existing gender gap.
Together, these efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for inclusive education policies and programs that support women in traditionally male-dominated sectors. By addressing these disparities from childhood, Fiji has the potential to not only triple female participation in engineering but also contribute to a more equitable and skilled workforce.
The commitment to empowering women through education and legislation bears the promise of a brighter future, where gender equity moves from being an aspiration to a reality in engineering and beyond.
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