Barriers to women’s progress – FBC News

(Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection – Fiji/Facebook)

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Eseta Nadakuitavuki, highlights the barriers that have hindered the progress of Fijian women entrepreneurs.

Speaking during the Women’s Economic Empowerment side session at the 4th Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Samoa, Nadakuitavuki states that market access, skills development gaps, business leadership development training, the impacts of climate change, the Health and wellbeing issues, such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, and the triple burden of care contribute to the low number of Fijian women participating in the economy.

“As the development of Fiji’s PAN WEE progresses, one of the key findings identified was women’s access to resources such as land and assets, information and assurances. Many women are unable to secure the financial support needed to start or expand their businesses because they lack ownership of these vital resources.”

The Permanent Secretary further states that the Ministry has prioritized the implementation of the PAN VG as it outlines a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to ending violence against women and girls, with economic empowerment being a crucial path for women to achieve independence, build resilience and escape cycles of violence.

Furthermore, she highlighted that women entrepreneurs represent almost half of Fiji’s micro, small and medium enterprises, but only 19% of registered MSMEs have a woman listed as the owner, highlighting the challenges women face in accessing formal financial systems.

The forum served as a platform for women to address challenges, exchange best practices and formulate actions and recommendations to present to Commonwealth leaders.