Empowering Women Leaders: Fiji Takes Major Steps Forward

The Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA) recently hosted a Women in Leadership program, coinciding with International Women’s Day, aiming to bolster women within the accounting sector. Sashi Kiran, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, highlighted the country’s advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly regarding improved access to education for rural women.

Kiran emphasized that despite the progress achieved, significant challenges remain. She pointed out that women occupy only 9 percent of parliamentary seats and less than 31 percent of board positions, stressing the urgent need for increased female representation in leadership roles.

FICA President Wiliki Takiveikata reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to fostering female leadership, noting a rise in female membership from 450, representing 44 percent of total members in 2023, to 472, or nearly 45 percent, anticipated by the end of 2024. While these numbers reflect positive growth, Takiveikata highlighted the ongoing need to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals.

Additionally, he announced the upcoming Fiji Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme, which aims to provide further professional development opportunities for women looking to advance their careers.

This initiative follows another recent success where 25 women graduated from a Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program organized by FICA. This program was designed to enhance women’s business acumen and confidence, fostering essential professional networks. Such efforts denote a broader commitment in Fiji’s private sector to promote female advancement and dismantle systemic barriers facing women in leadership positions.

These initiatives paint a promising picture for the future of gender equality in leadership across various sectors in Fiji, demonstrating a collective commitment to mentor and empower the next generation of women leaders. The focus on education, representation, and professional development is key to unlocking women’s potential and driving further progress.