Fiji’s Ministry of Defence is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to assess the barriers faced by women in the country’s security forces through the newly launched Gender Barrier Assessment Project. The initiative was introduced at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service in Nasese and is part of a collaborative effort with the country’s military and police forces.
Led by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, this project partners with the Elsie Initiative Fund, which aims to support increased participation of women in peacekeeping operations. The project will also benefit from the expertise of Australian consultancy Ethos CRS and Cornell University’s Gender Security Sector Lab.
The assessment will involve extensive interviews with approximately 400 female personnel from the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) who are either deployed or preparing for deployment. Additionally, over 30 civilian decision-makers will also be consulted. This comprehensive process is expected to span up to 14 months.
Mason Smith, the Permanent Secretary for Defence, emphasized that understanding these barriers is crucial in creating a policy roadmap that encourages greater gender inclusion with tangible goals. The findings from this initiative will contribute to the first Women, Peace and Security annual plan for the Fiji Police Force and RFMF for the years 2025 to 2029.
This project marks a significant milestone as the first systematic gender barrier assessment of its kind in the Pacific, presenting an opportunity for Fiji to showcase leadership in gender inclusivity. Smith noted that the insights gained from this study could serve as a guiding blueprint for other police and military forces across Pacific Island nations.
In light of prior coverage highlighting Fiji’s commitment to increasing women’s roles in peacekeeping operations — where only 45 out of 336 peacekeeping personnel are currently women — this new assessment stands to address critical gaps and empower a greater number of women in military and police roles.
With an increasing focus on inclusivity and diversity within security forces, Fiji aims to enhance operational effectiveness and create a framework that not only meets national gender policies but also aligns with international standards for women in peace and security. This initiative represents a promising stride towards a more equitable future for women in Fiji, fostering opportunities for their leadership in critical sectors.
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