The Fiji Country Gender Assessment 2023 sheds light on the continued limitations facing women’s representation in leadership positions, with only 21 percent of board members being women. This significant under-representation in decision-making roles was emphasized by Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, during the celebration of International Women’s Day held at the Reserve Bank of Fiji.
Kiran pointed out that, despite the challenges, women have played an essential role in the growth and prosperity of Fiji. Whether at the grassroots level or leading businesses and financial institutions, women have continuously demonstrated their capability to innovate and create opportunities that drive the economy forward.
To address the gender gaps in leadership and promote women’s economic participation, the Fijian government is implementing various policies and programs. Notably, the National Gender Policy aims to establish a comprehensive framework for advancing gender equality across all sectors. Empowering women in leadership is viewed as a vital step toward achieving sustainable economic growth and creating a more inclusive society.
These findings resonate with the recent report by the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Private Sector Initiative, which noted that men continue to dominate leadership roles, holding around six of every seven CEO positions in Fiji. Although progress has been made, such as an increase in female directors from 20% in 2021 to 25% in 2024, Fiji still ranks the lowest in the Pacific for women’s leadership representation.
Addressing the significant gaps and barriers that women face is essential for fostering a more balanced and equitable society in Fiji. The government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and enhancing women’s participation in decision-making processes offers hope for a more inclusive future, where women can fully contribute to the prosperity of their communities and the nation as a whole.
As Fiji moves forward into implementing critical initiatives, the positive impact on women’s rights and representation holds the promise of transforming societal dynamics and ultimately ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued in every sphere of life.
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