The empowerment and advancement of women in leadership roles in Fiji demands ongoing and deliberate action, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad.
Speaking at the Women’s Leadership Pipeline: Pulse Check panel at Pasifika Communities University, Prof. Prasad reaffirmed that this issue is a key priority for the Coalition government.
“Both globally and here in Fiji, women have continually proven to be essential in shaping our communities, driving economic progress, and strengthening resilient societies,” he said.
“Yet, despite their significant contributions, women’s involvement in leadership and decision-making remains a challenge that requires ongoing and deliberate attention.”
He emphasised that this gap is not just a matter of gender disparity, but a critical issue of governance that calls for “a united and sustained effort from all of us.”
Prof. Prasad drew attention to the under-representation of women in key leadership arenas, including Parliament.
“In 2024, women in Fiji held 25% of board director positions, a commendable increase from 20% in 2021. However, this still falls short of the Pacific regional average of 26%,” he noted.
“In the political arena, women’s representation in Fiji’s Parliament stands at a mere 9.1%. This is a stark contrast to the global average and underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to empower women in governance.”
He stressed that the Coalition Government is committed to creating a future where women’s leadership is the norm rather than the exception.
“Women’s leadership is not a luxury — it’s a national development imperative. We remain committed to building inclusive systems where women lead from community halls to Parliament.”
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