A recent dialogue in Fiji has highlighted the pressing need for greater female representation on corporate boards, emphasizing the vital connection between gender equality and economic development. While Fiji’s market performance slightly outpaces that of some regions and aligns with the global average, the low presence of women in leadership roles poses a significant challenge.
Nitin Gandhi, Chairperson of the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX), underscored the crucial role of gender diversity in attracting global investments. He emphasized that fostering gender equality should be an enduring commitment, transcending one-off initiatives. Gandhi pointed out that the United Nations’ Women Empowerment Principles provide a helpful framework for organizations striving to be more gender-responsive without necessitating financial investments.
This conversation resonates with findings from the Fiji Country Gender Assessment 2023, which revealed that women hold only 21 percent of board seats within the country, marking Fiji as the least represented in terms of women’s leadership in the Pacific region. Current statistics show that men occupy approximately six out of seven CEO positions. Nevertheless, there has been a slight uptick in female directors, growing from 20% in 2021 to 25% in 2024, indicating progress yet underscoring the ongoing need for advancement.
In a proactive move, Gandhi announced that the SPX will introduce a directory featuring women in board and senior executive roles, aimed at enhancing visibility and encouraging future female leaders in the corporate landscape. This initiative aligns with broader government efforts to close the gender gap in leadership roles and bolster women’s economic participation, offering a brighter outlook for achieving a more balanced and equitable society.
Recognizing gender equality as both a moral necessity and a crucial factor in sustainable economic growth, Fiji’s strides towards increasing women’s leadership representation signal a hopeful shift. The country’s commitment to embracing women’s contributions equitably could serve as an inspiring model for other Pacific nations and beyond, fostering a more inclusive future.
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