Investment Fiji chairperson Jenny Seeto has emphasized the need for building confidence and critical thinking in workplaces for women in the accounting sector during a panel discussion hosted by the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA) in Suva. Seeto shared her personal experiences and identified the internal barriers women often face, particularly the lack of self-confidence, knowledge, and skills.
She stated, “I feel the barriers are ourselves, our own selves… if we lack the confidence in what we do, and we don’t have the necessary knowledge, skills, experience, we are not confident.” These sentiments were echoed by Merchant Finance Limited CEO Veilawa Rereiwasaliwa, who noted that while the financial services sector has made strides in promoting gender inclusion, mentorship opportunities remain scarce, particularly due to the predominance of male mentors in leadership roles. Rereiwasaliwa advocated for more active recruitment of women at junior levels to cultivate a robust pipeline of female talent poised for future leadership.
Furthermore, Baka Books founder Akanisi Nabalarua called attention to societal norms and family dynamics that often hinder women from asserting themselves professionally. She stressed the importance of mentorship not just as a means for individual career growth, but as a cultural mechanism to promote sponsorship that propels women into decision-making positions. Nabalarua also highlighted the significance of addressing socioeconomic barriers faced by women, citing initiatives like Marama Finance at Merchant Finance Limited as essential for empowering women in marginalized communities.
These discussions come at a time when efforts are being amplified across Fiji to enhance women’s representation and empowerment. Last week, FICA also hosted a Women in Leadership program, which aligns with ongoing initiatives by various organizations to support female advancement in leadership roles. Recent statistics reveal an encouraging growth in female membership within FICA, highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering an environment of inclusion.
As Fiji continues to recognize the critical role that women play in economic development, there is hope that collective efforts will lead to significant advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment in various sectors, ultimately benefiting the broader society. The continued dialogue and initiatives in this direction reflect a growing acknowledgment of the vital contributions women make to both the business landscape and the economy as a whole.
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