Innovation and policy

WITH only two weeks remaining before the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council’s (WEBC) Women Invigorating the Nation (WIN) Convention 2026, the event continues to bring together voices that are shaping Fiji’s economic, policy and innovation landscape.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, the Convention will be held under the theme “Give to Gain: Investing in Women, Transform Our Future.”

The two-day gathering will convene entrepreneurs, policymakers, corporate leaders and development partners to explore practical pathways for strengthening women’s participation in business and leadership.

Among the distinguished contributors to this year’s programme are Aneta Pavli, Elisha Mala and Minister for Women Sashi Kiran, whose work spans technology innovation, national policy planning and social development.

Aneta Pavli: Driving innovation through technology and global leadership

International speaker Aneta Pavli will contribute insights on digital innovation and the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping economic opportunities.

Ms Pavli serves as the chief growth officer at DeepAI, where she works to expand secure and sovereign AI tools designed to support governments and institutions, particularly in climate-vulnerable nations.

Her work focuses on how emerging technologies can strengthen governance systems while protecting cultural heritage and language in an increasingly digital world.

Prior to her current role, Ms Pavli led growth initiatives across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for several deep-technology companies, building global partnerships in advanced technologies.

She is also the founder of SixPointFive™, a social enterprise committed to ending period poverty in Pacific nations, partnering with global stakeholders to improve access to hygiene infrastructure and education for young women.

Her session at the WIN Convention will explore how technological innovation, digital governance and global collaboration can open new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Minister Sashi Kiran: Advancing social protection and inclusive development

At the heart of the Convention’s closing program will be Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran, who will attend as the guest of honour.

She will deliver the closing address and present the Green Star Awards, which recognise businesses that demonstrate strong commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. Since entering Parliament in 2022, Ms Kiran has played an important role in advancing policies that strengthen social protection and support vulnerable communities. She previously served as Assistant Minister before being appointed to lead the Ministry. Before entering government, she founded the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND), a community organisation widely recognised for its work in economic empowerment, disaster relief and social development across Fiji. Her long career in community leadership and development has also included contributions to regional and global organisations, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive growth and social justice. Her presence at the Convention highlights the critical role of policy leadership in strengthening the ecosystem that supports women entrepreneurs and their businesses.

Elisha Mala: Strengthening economic planning and development strategy

Adding a policy and economic perspective to the Convention discussions is Elisha Mala, head of Research and Strategic Planning at Investment Fiji.

Ms Mala brings extensive experience in economic planning, policy analysis and national development strategy.

In her current role, she leads research initiatives that support evidence-based decision making, investment planning and strategic development aligned with Fiji’s national priorities.

Her career has included senior policy roles across government, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture, where she contributed to national development planning and sector strategies. Ms Mala has also been involved in international development forums and policy discussions on issues ranging from climate finance to sustainable development goals.

At WIN Convention 2026, she will share insights on how data, policy and strategic planning can strengthen investment opportunities and support sustainable economic growth.

A platform for dialogue and collaboration

As the WIN Convention marks five years as a national platform for women’s leadership, the participation of leaders such as Ms Pavli, Minister Kiran and Ms Mala reflects the importance of collaboration across technology, policy and economic development. Through dialogue and shared learning, the Convention continues to encourage new ideas and partnerships that can help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses and contribute to Fiji’s economic future.