The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has reiterated its commitment to staffing practices centered on competency and job requirements amidst discussions on gender balance during a recent Standing Committee on Social Affairs meeting. Committee Chair Iliesa Vanawalu raised concerns regarding the current workforce composition, which consists of 173 male and 100 female staff, and questioned the board’s efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality.
In response, TLTB Chief Executive Solomone Nata explained that recruitment is primarily based on the necessary skills and the specific demands of land administration roles. He highlighted that many positions require officers to operate in remote and challenging environments, necessitating long hours in the field and extensive interactions with landowners.
Nata emphasized the board’s approach to maintaining a practical staffing mix that reflects the operational realities of their work. This often involves pairing male officers with female assistants based on the needs of specific assignments. While acknowledging the significance of gender considerations in the workforce, Nata maintained that the priority remains to ensure that all staff members are “fit for purpose” and prepared to tackle the physical and logistical demands of their roles.
The committee acknowledged that advancing gender balance is a crucial focus within the framework of the SDGs, as government entities seek to enhance their workforce development strategies. This ongoing commitment to gender equality within TLTB underscores a broader initiative aimed at creating inclusive, efficient operations in line with sustainable development objectives.
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