The Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA) held a Women in Leadership program yesterday, aimed at supporting women in the accounting profession while celebrating International Women’s Day. Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, emphasized the significant strides made in gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly highlighting advancements in rural education access for women.
Kiran stated, “While we have made progress, there is still much to be done to fully unlock women’s potential and empower the next generation.” She pointed out that a mere 9 percent of parliamentary seats and less than 31 percent of board positions are occupied by women, underlining the necessity for greater female representation in leadership roles.
FICA President Wiliki Takiveikata remarked on the organization’s ongoing commitment to promoting female leadership, noting that female membership has seen an increase from 450, constituting 44 percent of total members in 2023, to 472, or approximately 45 percent, by the end of 2024. Although these figures indicate growth, Takiveikata stressed the importance of continuous efforts to provide equal opportunities for all.
He also announced the upcoming Fiji Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme as a vital opportunity for women looking to advance in their careers.
Combining this event with a similar recent initiative, it is notable that 25 women recently graduated from a Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program, also organized by FICA, which aimed to enhance women’s business skills and confidence while fostering vital professional networks. This reflects a broader commitment within Fiji’s private sector to support female advancement and tackle systemic barriers to women’s leadership.
Overall, these efforts signal a hopeful trajectory toward increased gender equality in leadership across various sectors in Fiji, demonstrating a commitment to nurture and empower future generations of women leaders.
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