SINCE the launch of the Fiji chapter of Women in Tech in April, it has progressed in leaps and bounds to advance the cause and bridge the digital divide.
The initiative was a major milestone and a transformative step for women in STEM across the Pacific and was officially launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications Manoa Kamikamica, with support from the Minister of Women Sashi Kiran.
Last Thursday evening, members of the chapter, government officials and industry leaders were hosted to a cocktail reception by the Ambassador of France to Fiji Julie Le Saos to celebrate achievements and future aspirations of Women in Tech Fiji chapter and to highlight the critical role of women in shaping the nation’s digital future.
The evening underscored the strong ties between France and Fiji in advancing gender equality and technological innovation, according to Women In Tech Fiji country director Sagufta Janif.
In her speech, Ms Le Saos highlighted the global significance of the Women in Tech movement.
“Women in Tech Fiji is part of the bigger global movement, Women in Tech Global, headquartered in Paris, which has received the high patronage of the French President,” Ambassador Le Saos stated.
“It is the world’s leading organisation dedicated to closing the gender gap and empowering women to embrace technology. “Since its founding in 2018, it has grown to over 250,000 members in 54 countries across six continents—with the ambition of impacting five million women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) by 2030 operating under four pillars: Education, Business, Digital Inclusion, and Advocacy.”
Ambassador Le Saos also acknowledged the French Embassy’s direct support for Women in Tech Fiji’s international engagement.
“In June this year, the French Embassy was proud to support Women in Tech Fiji’s country director’s travel to Paris to attend VivaTech 2025—Europe’s largest startup and tech event.
“Ms Sagufta Janif proudly represented Fiji’s Tech ecosystem, alongside the other Fijian start-ups selected as part of the first ever Pacific Tech Village,” Ms Le Saos said.
Emphasising France’s deep commitment to gender equality, Ms Le Saos articulated its foundational role in French policy.
“It is not simply a policy—it is a fundamental value. Our Feminist Foreign Policy Strategy aims to integrate gender equality across all fields: peace and security, education, climate, development, human rights, and also, digital innovation. We are committed to ensuring that technology serves as a force for inclusion, not division—developed by and for everyone.”
Ms Le Saos also took the opportunity to commend the Fijian Government for its leadership and bold steps towards gender equality and inclusive digital innovation.
In her acknowledgement, director-general Digital Government Transformation, Cybersecurity and Communications at the Ministry of Trade Tupou Baravilala highlighted the synergy between Women in Tech Fiji’s mission and Fiji’s strategic objectives.
“It is truly inspiring to witness how women in technology are actively propelling Fiji’s National Digital Strategy (2025–2030), particularly its vital second pillar on Digital Inclusion & Empowerment,” Ms Baravilala said.
“Our National Digital Strategy unequivocally commits to ensuring every Fijian can participate fully in the digital economy.
“Women in Tech Fiji’s work in both the rural and urban communities will progress our goal of bridging the digital divide, including gender digital divide and equipping women and girls with fundamental skills to meaningfully contribute to all areas of ICTs (Information, Communication and Technology) and to safely navigate in online spaces.
“It is equally exciting to see how Women in Tech Fiji is actively cultivating a pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs. Their efforts are directly shaping our ambition of building a dynamic digital economy.
“Furthermore, their targeted upskilling programs for members are directly reinforcing the National Digital Strategy’s aim to mandate digital skills training across public and private sectors, thereby significantly boosting Fiji’s overall productivity, driving innovation and enhancing our global competitiveness in the digital landscape,” Ms Baravilala said.
According to Women In Tech Fiji, the establishment and growth of a thriving Women in Tech community in Fiji holds significant promise for the nation’s economy.
“While global estimates suggest it could take 134 years to achieve full gender parity at current rates, organisations like Women in Tech Fiji are crucial in accelerating this timeline,” it stated.
“By fostering a diverse, skilled, and innovative tech workforce, Women in Tech Fiji is poised to drive new industry creation, stimulate entrepreneurial ventures and attract further investment in the digital sector.
“Research consistently shows that advancing gender equality can significantly boost national economies; for instance, closing the gender gap in the workforce could add a staggering $28 trillion to the global GDP.
“This collective effort will not only enhance Fiji’s competitiveness on the global stage but also contribute to a more inclusive, dynamic and resilient economy that leverages the full potential of its talent for sustainable economic growth and technological advancement.”
Speaking on behalf of Women in Tech Fiji, Ms Janif, acknowledged members of the community.
“We are so grateful to have each and every one on board,” she said.
“As we continue to build our community and provide support to our members, we also intend to work collectively and inspire the next generation of women and girls in tech, as well as ensuring that they don’t focus their time and energy on breaking glass ceilings because hopefully by that time the ceiling won’t exist through the work that we do from today.”
The event also recognised the individual achievements of members, with special congratulations extended to those who were finalists and winner for the prestigious APAC Women in Tech Award.
1. Anju Mangal – Winner Global Leadership Award 2025 Asia & Pacific Region Women In Tech
2. Sujata Lodhia – Finalist Startup Award Asia and Pacific Region Women in Tech
3. Ms Tupou Baravilala – Finalist Tech Diplomacy Award
Asia and Pacific Region Women In Tech
4. Ms Bandana Devi – Finalist Most Disruptive Award Asia and Pacific Region Women in Tech.
The evening served as a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to foster an inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem in Fiji, driven by the talent and vision of its women.
Fiji Chapter country director Sagufta Janif. Picture: SUPPLIED
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated July 21, 2025
