ACROSS the Pacific, the Balance of Power (BOP) program is working to shift gender norms and strengthen women’s participation in decision making. Supported by the Australian Government, BOP partners with local organisations to expand women’s leadership pathways, challenge barriers that limit their influence, and build more inclusive governance systems. In Fiji, this work is delivered through strong collaboration with the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), which leads community-based initiatives that identify, mentor, and elevate emerging women leaders from diverse backgrounds.
One of BOP’s flagship initiatives in Fiji is the Women’s Leadership Talent Pipeline, a program designed to support women who are already leading in their communities, as well as those who have leadership potential but lack access to formal leadership spaces. The Pipeline provides tailored training, mentoring, and networking opportunities, helping women develop confidence, sharpen their leadership skills, and strengthen their engagement with decisionmakers. Through this initiative, women from rural, peri urban, and settlement communities have stepped into leadership roles with renewed purpose, transforming not only their communities but also themselves.
For Julekha Mustapha, a long–time community leader in Nadi, the Pipeline has been a defining part of her leadership journey. Mustapha has devoted decades to service, supporting women, young people, and vulnerable groups across Nadi. She helped establish the Nadi District Council of Social Services in the 1990s and today serves as its President, while also holding national and local leadership roles across multiple organisations. Her work ranges from advocating for inclusive education to strengthening support networks for women and children – efforts shaped by a lifetime of community service inspired by her mother.
Despite her experience, Mustapha says the Women’s Leadership Talent Pipeline strengthened her ability to engage strategically and confidently with authorities. Through the program, she refined her communication skills, improved her advocacy, and gained new tools to support women across different cultural and religious backgrounds. “It helped me be firm, honest, and clear,” she says. “It gave me the confidence to speak up and engage with decision–makers.” Today, she continues to mentor young women, encouraging them to step forward as the next generation of community leaders.
Where Julekha entered the Pipeline as an experienced leader, Taufa Qoro began her journey from a very different place. Originally from Navoci Village in Nadi and now living in Qauia Settlement in Lami, she joined the program not seeing herself as a leader at all. But through the Pipeline’s sessions, she discovered her own leadership voice and the power she held within her community. “I realised it wasn’t just training, it was discovering who I am and what I can do as a woman leader,” she shared.
Before joining the program, Qoro was already supporting women, young people, people with disabilities, and the elderly, but often felt overlooked in maledominated spaces. The Pipeline gave her the confidence to lead with courage and empathy. This was especially important when she began addressing contentious issues such as community bylaws and land disputes, efforts that initially led to resistance and personal attacks. Yet Qoro remained firm, choosing perseverance over confrontation. Her resilience inspired others, especially youth, who began supporting her vision for community development.
Under her leadership, the Qauia community has secured water tanks, rubbish bins, and solar streetlights, while continuing to advocate for better roads, bridges, and an evacuation centre. Importantly, she has created space for women to lead projects themselves, shifting community perceptions of who can lead. “Leadership is about giving others the chance to rise,” she says.
Mustapha and Qoro are part of the 27 women who have been part of the Women’s Leadership Talent Pipeline and reflect the transformative power of the Balance of Power program. By investing in women’s leadership from the ground up, BOP is helping build more inclusive, resilient, and representative governance across Fiji and the Pacific.
Taufa Qoro speaking at a Governance Training for Melanesian Communities in the Greater Suva Area. Picture: SUPPLIED
