A new national initiative has been introduced in Fiji to enhance women’s economic empowerment, following comprehensive public consultations over the past year. Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran, emphasized the substantial barriers that hinder women’s economic inclusion and expressed the government’s commitment to addressing these through a coordinated National Action Plan. This plan aims to rally government ministries, donor partners, and civil society organizations to work together, ensuring that all women, including those in informal sectors, have access to economic programs and opportunities.
The Women’s Ministry, aiming for a nationwide implementation, will leverage various networks to make these resources available to women throughout Fiji. The Cabinet has shown its support by endorsing the action plan, and an official launch is anticipated soon.
This initiative falls in line with Fiji’s broader commitment to bridging gender gaps in employment, business support, and financial services, as laid out in the comprehensive National Action Plan for Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE NAP) covering the 2025-2030 period. The plan sets ambitious targets, like increasing women’s labor force participation to 60% by 2030 and boosting female ownership in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Significant focus is placed on promoting women’s economic empowerment at individual and community levels, addressing structural inequalities through gender-responsive planning, and increasing women’s representation in leadership roles. These efforts are supported by the government’s policies on gender-responsive budgeting, a critical step in aligning financial resources with gender equality goals.
Fiji is looking toward a promising future where gender equality is not just a moral obligation but an economic strategy. The comprehensive and collaborative approach to this initiative aims not only to empower women but also to ensure that their contribution to the economy translates into broader economic growth and stability for the nation. This transition, marked by substantial policy commitments and targets, holds the potential for a more equitable and prosperous future, benefiting families and communities across the country.
Efforts like these signal Fiji’s hopeful trajectory towards gender equality, unlocking pathways for substantial advancements in women’s socio-economic roles and overall national development.
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