Only 11.2 per cent of women involved in Fiji’s agriculture have savings account.

While speaking at the launch of the Building Capacity for a Fair and Inclusive Organic Movement by the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community (POETCom) in Nadi, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Sashi Kiran said this indicated women’s contribution in agriculture was undervalued.

“Despite their significant contribution to agriculture, women often face structural and systemic barriers that limit their recognition, representation and participation in decision-making processes, policy formulation, and resource allocation and access,” she said.

“Their vital roles and contributions to agricultural activities, such as food production, processing, natural resources management and traditional knowledge preservation, are often undervalued and overlooked.

“This under recognition not only undermines human rights principles and the potential for gender equality but also hinders the development of holistic, effective and inclusive agricultural policies and programs.

“This is well indicated in Fiji’s Agriculture census.

“Overall, 51.3 per cent (42,751) of farmers have saving bank accounts.

“Out of the total 42,751 farmers who have savings account, 88.8 per cent are male and 11.2 per cent are female.”

Ms Kiran said the Building Capacity for a Fair and Inclusive Organic Movement Initiative was an excellent example of the practical steps that could be taken advance gender equity and inclusion.

“Strengthening a women’s network such as the POETCom Women’s Chapter while enhancing the capacities of organic stakeholders in gender and social inclusion issues are two practical actions which will contribute to creating a conducive environment that promotes gender equity and inclusion at different levels of society,” she said.