Fiji has officially joined the Women in Tech Global movement, a prominent organization dedicated to reducing the gender gap in technology, with the launch of the Women in Tech Fiji chapter at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. This significant initiative, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, aims to empower women in the field of technology while addressing the prevalent underrepresentation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
At the launch, Kamikamica highlighted the pressing need for inclusive participation of women in the tech industry, noting that women constitute approximately 31% of STEM researchers and a mere one in eight executive roles. He stated that achieving substantial contributions to Fiji’s economy—targeted at 10% of the GDP by 2030 under the National Digital Strategy—requires concerted efforts to include women as both participants and leaders in the technology landscape.
He called upon various sectors to collaborate in supporting Women in Tech Fiji, emphasizing that empowering women in ICT could unlock new innovations, enhance global competitiveness, and foster a more inclusive digital economy. The initiative offers access to a network that spans 54 countries, aiming to facilitate significant contributions from Fijian women in technology, aligning with ongoing efforts to improve digital literacy and participation.
Previous initiatives like the “Girls in ICT” program, which has trained numerous young women in coding and problem-solving, echo the goals of this new chapter. Such programs aim to significantly close the gender gap and create a supportive ecosystem for women in technology.
Fiji’s participation in global events, including the upcoming Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka, Japan, illustrates its commitment to international collaboration and best practices in women’s empowerment. This chapter launch is seen as a beacon of hope, signaling a future where women not only participate in technology but also take on leadership roles, ultimately driving economic growth and fostering a more equitable society.
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