About 60% of the members of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) are women, highlighting a significant female presence within the educational sector. However, Iva Volavola Powell, a member of the association’s executive committee, pointed out that there remains a gender gap in leadership roles, noting that only three out of 39 executive committee members were women following recent elections. This disparity emphasizes the need for increased female visibility and involvement in leadership positions within the organization.
Volavola stated that it is crucial for women members to strategize how to increase participation in the board, as women’s issues are invariably union issues. The association is currently enhancing its efforts to build capacity among female members, including initiatives such as entrepreneurial projects. One notable effort includes holding mobile markets every Saturday to provide women an opportunity to engage in business, network, and discuss pertinent issues affecting their community and profession.
A significant topic of discussion within the association this year has been the government’s no-repeat policy, which has been criticized for its inefficacy in the education sector. In response to these concerns, they reported recently on the passing of a new retention policy aimed at improving educational outcomes, reflecting the voices of educators in discussions regarding educational reforms.
Furthermore, these developments align with broader conversations about women’s representation in leadership and politics across Fiji. Recent findings from multiple reports indicate systemic barriers that women continue to face, both in political spheres and other leadership roles. For instance, only 21% of board members across various sectors in Fiji are women, and recent surveys show that a significant majority of Fijians acknowledge the underrepresentation of women in politics.
Advocacy groups, including the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, are pushing for systemic reforms to facilitate gender equality in leadership roles. The call for at least 30% reservation of parliamentary seats for women is gaining traction, alongside initiatives to combat gender bias and support women’s comprehensive participation in governance.
This collective effort highlights a hopeful trajectory towards increased female representation in leadership, driven by advocacy, collaboration, and the recognition of women’s critical roles in shaping Fiji’s educational and political landscapes. As women continue to assert their presence in various sectors, there lies a transformative potential for more inclusive governance that reflects the diversity and needs of the population.