Approximately 60% of the members of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) are women, underscoring a significant female representation in the educational sector. However, Iva Volavola Powell, a member of the association’s executive committee, pointed out a persistent gender disparity in leadership positions, revealing that only three out of the 39 executive committee members elected were women. This highlights an ongoing need for increased female visibility and participation in leadership roles within the organization.
Volavola emphasized the importance of women members strategizing to boost their presence on the board, stressing that women’s issues are intrinsically linked to the union’s concerns. The FTA is actively working to empower its female membership, with initiatives including entrepreneurial projects. A notable endeavor involves mobile markets held every Saturday, providing women with opportunities to engage in business, network, and discuss significant issues impacting their communities and professions.
This year, one of the association’s significant discussion points has been the government’s no-repeat policy, which has faced criticism for its effectiveness in the education sector. In light of this, they announced the adoption of a new retention policy designed to enhance educational outcomes, demonstrating a commitment to incorporating educators’ voices in discussions about educational reforms.
The developments within the FTA are part of a wider dialogue regarding women’s representation in leadership and politics across Fiji. Recent findings reveal that women encounter systemic barriers in both political and leadership realms, with only 21% of board members across various sectors being female. Surveys show that a large majority of Fijians recognize the underrepresentation of women in politics.
Advocacy groups, such as the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, are advocating for systemic reforms to promote gender equality in leadership roles. Efforts are gaining momentum for a push towards reserving at least 30% of parliamentary seats for women, alongside initiatives to address gender bias and foster women’s active participation in governance.
These collective endeavors signal a hopeful shift toward enhanced female leadership representation, driven by advocacy, collaboration, and a recognition of the essential roles women play in shaping Fiji’s educational and political landscape. As women continue to assert their influence across various sectors, there is potential for transformative governance that better reflects the diversity and needs of the population.