NO one is an island, said Reserve Bank of Fiji’s (RBF) chief manager Financial System Development Group Caroline Waqabaca at the close of yesterday’s RBF-led celebrations by the financial sector of International Women’s Day in Fiji.
“We all need each other to make a difference for women in Fiji.
“Whether it’s developing gender-sensitive financial products, implementing planning programs or advocating policies, every effort counts,” Ms Waqabaca said as women from across Suva’s financial space and women in business gathered to commemorate the cause.
“Today we’ve heard compelling insights and stories from leaders of our community highlighting the challenges faced in accessing finance and efforts that institutions are bringing to the discussion and to the table.
“The statistics are clear. When women thrive, economies flourish.
“By investing in women-led businesses and supporting gender inclusive policies, we can unlock avenues for innovation, job creation and economic resilience,” Ms Waqabaca said.
“Fostering gender equality is not merely a responsibility. It’s also an opportunity for us all.
“By working together as financial institutions, Government and gender champions, we can dismantle barriers and create a more inclusive financial landscape that empowers our women and drive sustainable growth.”
The women in finance were supported by their male counterparts, who shared how their organisations were supporting gender balanced participation at management and board levels.
Chairman of the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) Nitin Gandhi said 25 per cent of board positions in SPX-listed companies were held by women.
“Comparatively, women hold 21per cent of all positions in Africa, 16per cent in Asia according to the Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative.
“Deloitte Research further indicates that women occupy just 23.3per cent of board seats worldwide.
“While the Fijian market fares slightly better than some regions and is on par with global average, we recognise the need to drive greater representation of women on boards.
“Particularly as some individuals hold multiple directorships.
“A balanced gender representation ensures a diversity of perspectives, fostering better decision making across organisations of all sizes,” Mr Gandi said.
International Women’s Day, officially on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
“The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality and is annually commemorated in Fiji all month long.
