The Balance of Power (BOP) program, with the support of the Australian Government, is making significant strides across the Pacific by transforming gender norms and enhancing women’s roles in decision-making. Collaborating closely with local organizations, BOP aims to create leadership pathways for women, tackle the barriers they face, and foster more inclusive governance systems. In Fiji, this initiative is prominently executed in partnership with the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), which spearheads community-driven projects to mentor and elevate emerging women leaders from diverse backgrounds.
A key initiative under BOP in Fiji is the Women’s Leadership Talent Pipeline, designed to empower individuals already active in their communities as well as those who demonstrate leadership potential but lack access to formal leadership roles. The Pipeline offers customized training, mentoring, and networking opportunities to help women enhance their confidence, hone their leadership skills, and strengthen connections with decision-makers. This has enabled women from rural and peri-urban areas to embrace leadership responsibilities with renewed zeal, thereby transforming not only their communities but also their personal growth.
Julekha Mustapha, a veteran community leader from Nadi, highlights the impact of the Pipeline on her leadership journey. With decades devoted to supporting women, youth, and vulnerable groups, she has held significant roles such as the President of the Nadi District Council of Social Services. Mustapha’s advocacy spans inclusive education and support networks for women and children, all inspired by a legacy of community service instilled by her mother. She credits the Women’s Leadership Talent Pipeline with enhancing her strategic engagement and advocacy skills. The program has empowered her to communicate effectively and interact confidently with authorities, allowing her to mentor emerging leaders in her community.
In contrast, Taufa Qoro’s journey began with uncertainty. Originally from Navoci Village and now residing in Qauia Settlement, she joined the Pipeline without viewing herself as a leader. However, the program helped her uncover her leadership potential and embrace her role within the community. Despite previously feeling sidelined in male-dominated environments, Qoro discovered strength through the Pipeline’s sessions, leading her to tackle challenging issues like community bylaws and land disputes with perseverance. Under her guidance, the Qauia community has made considerable progress, securing vital resources such as water tanks and solar streetlights while advocating for infrastructural improvements.
The inspiring stories of Mustapha and Qoro exemplify the transformative effects of the Women’s Leadership Talent Pipeline and the Balance of Power program. They represent a cohort of 27 women whose experiences underscore the essential contribution of investing in women’s leadership. The BOP program is not only building more resilient and representative governance structures across Fiji and the Pacific but also creating a future where women can confidently lead and uplift their communities, inspiring generations to come.
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