A two-day workshop titled “IT’s Her Future,” organized by the accounting firm KPMG Fiji, took place in Suva, focusing on promoting gender diversity in the technology sector. This initiative is part of KPMG’s Insights Program, which has received positive feedback in the firm’s Melbourne and Sydney offices.
The workshop aimed to inspire female university students, particularly those not pursuing traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers, to explore opportunities in technology. Participants engaged in interactive sessions covering topics such as Generative AI and complex problem-solving.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn from influential women leaders from KPMG Fiji and Australia and enhance their skills through workshops on interview strategies and mock applications. Lisa Apted, managing partner at KPMG Fiji, expressed that the program met its objectives, stating, “If you can see yourselves in those roles, you can be in those roles. This is really important for young women in Fiji and around the world.” She also encouraged participants to venture into new areas.
Student participant Jasmine Khan shared her thoughts, emphasizing the program’s role in confronting gender stereotypes within the tech industry. “I think Fiji is finally challenging the idea that tech is a field only for men, and this generation of women is breaking those stereotypes,” she noted.
Charlotte Dainton, the host of the Insights Program, underscored the significance of highlighting diverse tech opportunities and enabling women to envision themselves as industry leaders. “Watching young women from both technical and traditionally non-technical fields come together to explore technology is exciting,” she remarked.