About 60 percent of the members of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) are women, highlighting a significant presence of female educators within the organization. However, there remains a notable gender gap in leadership roles among the executive committee, as stated by Iva Powell Volavola, an executive committee member of the FTA. Volavola pointed out that in 2022, the committee had seven women members out of a total of 39, but this number has since decreased to only three.
This underrepresentation in leadership positions calls for action among the women in the association. Volavola emphasized that women committee members must strategize to increase their visibility and encourage more women from the teaching community to engage in union leadership, as issues that affect women are also critical to union interests. To support this aim, the FTA has initiated capacity-building efforts specifically for its female members. Notably, they have organized entrepreneurship projects, such as mobile markets held every Saturday, providing a platform for women to come together, discuss pertinent issues, and support each other.
One pressing issue the FTA has been addressing this year is the government’s no-repeat policy, which many educators believe is ineffective. Volavola highlighted the need for change, stating that the association has communicated its concerns through its working committee, and they have recently celebrated the passage of a Bill reintroducing a retention policy in the education system.
The FTA’s commitment to enhancing the role of women in leadership and addressing educational policies reflects a broader movement towards greater equity and inclusion in Fiji’s education sector. This aligns with findings from the Fiji Country Gender Assessment 2023, which noted a significant underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions across various sectors.
As discussions continue, there is hope that with proactive measures, not only will the participation of women in leadership roles increase, but the education system as a whole can evolve to meet the needs of both teachers and students, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future in Fiji. These collective efforts indicate a promising trajectory toward improving educational standards and supporting women educators in their professional journeys.
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