Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by women in Fiji during a recent address to Parliament. Despite women constituting nearly half of Fiji’s population at 49.3%, their representation in the labor force remains insufficient, particularly in formal employment opportunities.
Kiran pointed out that many women are relegated to the informal sector, which is typified by low wages, job instability, and scant social protections. Furthermore, she noted the limitations on women’s participation in agriculture and climate-resilient livelihoods due to restricted access to essential resources such as land and fisheries. Rural women, she emphasized, face even greater obstacles, including the need to travel significantly further than their urban counterparts to access basic financial services.
The minister also brought attention to the under-representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles, stating that businesses led by women have a staggering 2.5 times higher chance of having their loan applications denied. Kiran argued that these disparities not only weaken Fiji’s economy but also impede inclusive growth.
To combat these systemic issues, Kiran emphasized the necessity of strengthening gender mainstreaming across 14 governmental ministries and agencies. She stated that fostering gender equality is a critical development priority that requires cooperation from all sectors. Ongoing consultations and collaborations between ministries have shown a commitment to addressing these entrenched inequalities and ensuring equitable development outcomes for all citizens.
Kiran reiterated the government’s dedication to bolstering its Institutional Capacity Development Initiative, which seeks to cultivate an inclusive society where every Fijian, irrespective of gender, age, ethnicity, or social status, can participate actively in and benefit from national development. Through this initiative, the government aims to foster a culture of accountability and inclusivity, ultimately creating a fairer, stronger, and more prosperous Fiji.
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