Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has raised concerns in Parliament about the significant under-representation of women in the labor force, despite them making up 49.3 percent of the country’s population. She pointed out that a large number of women are engaged in the informal sector, which is characterized by low wages, job instability, and a lack of social protection.
Kiran noted that women’s participation in agriculture and sustainable livelihoods is severely restricted, particularly due to limited access to essential resources like land and fisheries. Rural women face additional adversities, often having to undertake long journeys compared to their urban peers simply to obtain basic financial services.
The minister also addressed ongoing issues of gender inequality in leadership and decision-making, revealing that businesses led by women are 2.5 times more likely to have their loan applications rejected. These challenges not only impede women’s economic empowerment but also detract from the overall economic progress and inclusive growth of the nation.
In her remarks, Kiran underscored the urgent need to bolster gender mainstreaming across 14 governmental ministries and agencies to tackle long-standing inequalities and overcome systemic barriers. “This approach ensures that development outcomes benefit every Fijian,” she reiterated, emphasizing the government’s determination to prioritize gender equality as an essential aspect of national development.
Kiran assured members of Parliament that recent consultations with pertinent ministries reflect an increasing acknowledgment within the government of the significance of gender inclusivity. Her Institutional Capacity Development Initiative aims to foster a society where all Fijians—regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or social status—can fully participate in and benefit from national advancement.
By enhancing the capabilities of governmental bodies and promoting accountability and inclusivity, this initiative aspires to lay a foundation for a fairer, stronger, and more prosperous Fiji. By addressing these critical inequalities, Fiji stands to harness the potential of all its citizens in contributing to the nation’s growth and development.