Approximately 60 percent of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) members are women, yet a considerable gender gap remains in leadership roles within the organization. Iva Powell Volavola, a member of the FTA executive committee, noted that while the association currently consists of 58 percent women, only three women occupy executive positions out of 39, a decline from seven in 2022.
Volavola emphasized the importance of addressing this disparity and called for women within the association to enhance their visibility in leadership roles. She stated, “We feel that women issues are union issues too,” highlighting the need for female representation in union leadership to advocate for policies that affect women educators.
To strengthen women’s involvement, the FTA has ramped up its capacity-building initiatives, which include entrepreneurship projects like the mobile markets held every Saturday. These markets serve as a space for women to share ideas, support each other, and discuss crucial topics affecting their roles in education.
Among the central concerns discussed by the association this year is the government’s no-repeat policy in education, which many educators regard as ineffective. Volavola shared that efforts to address these challenges led to the recent passing of a Bill aimed at reintroducing a retention policy in the education system, signaling progress in response to the concerns raised by educators.
This focus on enhancing women’s participation in educational leadership coincides with findings from the Fiji Country Gender Assessment 2023, which revealed that women hold only 21 percent of board positions across different sectors in Fiji. The Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has underscored the significant role of women in driving economic growth in Fiji.
There is a growing recognition among many in the educational system of the necessity to foster an inclusive environment where women’s contributions are acknowledged. Recent surveys indicate a widespread perception among Fijians about the need for greater representation of women in governance and education, underscoring the ongoing need for systemic reforms.
While challenges persist, the collective efforts from the FTA and government signal a hopeful trajectory towards a more equitable society in Fiji. By promoting women’s participation in decision-making processes, it is expected that a more inclusive educational landscape will emerge, benefiting not only female educators but the entire community as they strive for a better future.