Women from across the Pacific gathered in Suva for the Women in Media (WiM) Conference 2025, addressing challenges related to gender representation and advocating for stronger leadership roles within newsrooms. Leadership consultant Ana Laqeretabua introduced the metaphor of “switch mode” to describe how women adeptly handle multiple responsibilities in leadership positions. This concept drew inspiration from Losena Kaloulia Naisilisili, dubbed the ‘Switch Queen’ for her exceptional ability to manage varied demands in media operations.
Laqeretabua emphasized that real leadership goes beyond titles—it involves a collective choice in how to engage as leaders, highlighting how women skillfully navigate personal and professional responsibilities. “You get to see the whole game,” she stated, underlining that even non-leaders can influence outcomes by actively engaging with their circumstances.
The gathering coincided with ongoing discussions surrounding gender inequality in the media, echoing previous conferences where issues, such as harassment faced by female journalists and the need for better representation, were highlighted. Ana Tuiketei, an international lawyer, addressed these persistent issues, revealing alarming statistics about gender pay gaps and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles across the Pacific media landscape.
The creation of supportive networks, which has been a recurring theme at similar events, aims to foster solidarity among women journalists and inspire future generations. The conference serves as a hopeful platform, reinforcing the collective strength of women in the media and their crucial role in advancing gender equality.
With continued effort and collaboration, the future looks promising for women journalists in the Pacific, as they push for recognition and support in fostering a more inclusive and equitable media environment.
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