Empowering Women: Fiji’s Path to Economic Equality

Gender equality is essential not only as a moral obligation but also as an economic necessity, emphasized Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, during her speech at the International Women’s Day event held at the Reserve Bank of Fiji. Ms. Kiran highlighted the significant contributions of women throughout Fiji’s history in driving economic success, from grassroots to high-level leadership in businesses and financial institutions.

She stated, “Our women have continuously proven their ability to innovate, manage, and create opportunities that propel our economy forward.” The minister articulated that empowering women economically unlocks a multiplier effect, benefitting families, businesses, and the nation as a whole. She pointed out that companies that advocate for gender equality are not only fostering social progress but also boosting productivity, organizational efficiency, and overall consumer satisfaction.

The Fijian government’s commitment to gender equality is demonstrated through gender-responsive planning and budgeting, which integrates gender considerations into national policies to address the needs of all genders. This aligns with broader objectives aimed at reducing gender gaps in leadership roles.

Citing the Fiji Country Gender Assessment 2023, Kiran also acknowledged that while considerable progress is made, challenges remain, particularly women’s underrepresentation in leadership roles, where only 21 percent of board members are women. She reaffirmed the government’s intent to create an enabling environment for increased access to credit and banking services for Fijian women in business.

This ongoing focus on supporting women’s economic participation is crucial, especially considering that men currently occupy approximately six out of every seven CEO positions in Fiji. However, initiatives and reforms aimed at promoting women’s leadership and entrepreneurship signal a hopeful shift towards a more equitable society.

Through sustained efforts and proactive policies, the potential exists for significant advancements in women’s rights and representation in Fiji, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.