THE countdown is on, with exactly one month remaining for the highly anticipated Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) Women Invigorating the Nation (WIN) Convention 2026 — a landmark gathering celebrating five years of empowering women in business and leadership across Fiji.
Under the theme “Give to Gain: Investing in Women, Transform Our Future,” this year’s Convention will bring together influential women leaders whose careers reflect resilience, innovation and transformative leadership.
Among the distinguished speakers at WIN Convention 2026 are keynote speaker Bhavana Chary Samel and session speakers Caroline Waqabaca and Dipti Sharma.
Each brings a powerful perspective based on their experiences spanning global corporate leadership, national economic development and entrepreneurial innovation.
Bhavana Chary Samel
Driving inclusive growth and global leadership
Bhavana Chary Samel, managing director and country chair for Fiji and Tonga at TotalEnergies, will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights on inclusive leadership and investing in women to transform economies and organisations.
With more than two decades of leadership experience across Fortune 500 companies and 13 countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania, Bhavana has led complex business transformations, large-scale investments, and stakeholder partnerships across the energy and industrial sectors.
Her career reflects a strong commitment to diversity, talent development and future-ready leadership — building high-performing teams across cultures and geographies.
Widely respected for combining strategic rigor with people-centred leadership, Bhavana champions women’s leadership and inclusive organisational growth.
At WIN 2026, her keynote will set the tone for the Convention’s central message: that investing in women is not only a social imperative but a powerful driver of economic transformation.
Caroline Waqabaca
Advancing financial inclusion and economic resilience
Caroline Waqabaca, chief manager Financial System Development at the Reserve Bank of Fiji, brings more than 30 years of experience in central banking and economic policy.
She currently leads national initiatives in payment systems development, consumer protection and financial inclusion — critical pillars for enabling women-led enterprises to thrive.
At WIN Convention 2026, Caroline will take part in the Fireside Chat “From Policy to Practice,” which will explore how policy commitments can translate into measurable, practical support for women-owned MSMEs.
Her extensive experience in financial systems development, inclusive finance and economic policy positions her to offer valuable insight into bridging the gap between national policy frameworks and real-world impact for women entrepreneurs.
Dipti Sharma
Entrepreneurial innovation and women in technology
Dipti Sharma, founder and chief executive officer of Eventuros Fiji and MyDesk Fiji, represents the dynamic face of modern Fijian entrepreneurship — blending digital innovation, business strategy and community empowerment.
With over 20 years of leadership experience in digital marketing, events and enterprise development, Dipti has built successful businesses while actively championing women in business and technology across Fiji.
A nationally and internationally recognised entrepreneur — including Tech Entrepreneur of the Year (2023) and CMO Asia Top 50 Women in Leadership — she continues to mentor and uplift women entrepreneurs through Women in Tech Fiji and community initiatives.
At WIN 2026, Dipti will share practical insights on innovation, digital transformation and building resilient women-led enterprises in a rapidly changing economy.
A Convention driving impact and change
As WIN Convention marks its fifth anniversary, the 2026 gathering promises to be a milestone moment — bringing together corporate leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and development partners committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment.
Through the voices of Bhavana, Caroline and Dipti — leaders across global business, national finance and entrepreneurship — participants will gain insights on leadership, investment, inclusion and innovation.
Their collective journeys reflect the Convention’s core belief: when women are supported to lead, economies grow, communities strengthen and futures transform.
Registration for WIN Convention 2026 is now open, with limited spaces remaining for this flagship national event that celebrates women’s leadership and enterprise in Fiji.
Fiona Dansey is the Coordinator for the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC), one of the nine councils under the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF). The views expressed here do not reflect the views of this newspaper.
To learn more about or register for WIN Convention 2026 – email Fiona Dansey on webc@fcef.com.fj
Bhavana Chary Samel. Picture: WEBC/SUPPLIED
Caroline Waqabaca. Picture: WEBC/SUPPLIED
