There is an urgent need for continued efforts in Fiji to promote gender diversity and create more inclusive leadership opportunities across all sectors.

Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya highlights that the majority of our private sector boards have less than 30 percent women directors.

Fiji sits below the Pacific regional average for women’s representation in all business leadership positions measured in a new report launched in Suva yesterday by the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI).

Tabuya emphasizes the vital role that women’s representation and active participation in leadership positions play across all domains, both public and private.

According to the report, the average proportion of women directors in Fiji rose from 20% in 2021 to 25% in 2024, just below the regional average of 26%. While the average proportion of women chief executive officers (CEO) in the Pacific rose from 13% to 20% during the same period, Fiji only saw a marginal increase in women CEOs from 10% to 13%.

The report draws on data from 397 organizations across ADB’s 14 Pacific developing member countries (DMCs), as well as insights from more than 350 Pacific business leaders, gathered through a survey and in-depth interviews.

“Let’s roll up our sleeves and work together on this crucial endeavor to change the story. Let us seize this moment, fueled by determination and unity, to create a future where every Fijian woman and girl can rise to their fullest potential.”

Tabuya reiterates that Fiji falls below the Pacific regional average for women’s representation in business leadership.

While officiating at the event last night, the Minister congratulated the twenty-five women who have completed the inaugural Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program, hosted by the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants.