The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has made a meaningful advancement in promoting inclusivity by launching a gender task force focused on improving workplace facilities for all employees. This development was announced by Chief Executive Seru Soderberg during his presentation regarding the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs.
Historically, WAF has been characterized by a predominantly male workforce, which has resulted in operational facilities that primarily feature male washrooms. Soderberg highlighted the authority’s commitment to gender equality, stating, “We are actively working towards building new washrooms to accommodate our female colleagues. I don’t see any issues with facilitating a special area to facilitate breastfeeding.” This initiative aims to enhance the workplace environment, ensuring that women, particularly young mothers, are adequately supported.
Committee Chair Sakiusa Tubuna expressed his support for these initiatives, noting that the proposed Bill includes provisions to improve working conditions for women, such as the creation of breastfeeding-friendly facilities. This reflects a growing recognition of the changing demographics within the workforce and the importance of cultivating an inclusive atmosphere for all employees.
The establishment of the gender task force, along with enhancements to workplace amenities, marks a significant step toward gender equality in Fiji’s workforce. As organizations embrace these progressive changes, they are likely to create a more supportive and accommodating environment, potentially leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity among all employees.