AS momentum builds toward the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) Women Invigorating the Nation (WIN) Convention 2026, the event continues to spotlight influential women whose work is shaping Fiji’s economic, social and policy landscape.
Under the theme “Give to Gain: Investing in Women, Transform Our Future,” this year’s Convention will feature speakers whose careers demonstrate leadership across climate resilience, corporate governance and gender equality.
Among those joining the program are Akata Taito, Emily King and Liliwaimanu Vuiyasawa — three accomplished professionals whose work span global development, financial governance and gender-responsive policy.
Together, they represent the diverse expertise needed to drive inclusive and sustainable growth in Fiji and across the Pacific.
Akata Taito: Strengthening climate resilience through financial innovation
Akata Taito, Climate and Disaster Insurance specialist with the Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme, brings deep expertise in financial inclusion, climate risk and disaster resilience.
With more than a decade of experience in central banking and financial system development, Akata previously served with the Reserve Bank of Fiji where she played a key role in advancing financial inclusion initiatives.
She also chaired the Financial Inclusion Data Working Group of the global Alliance for Financial Inclusion, representing 62 member countries. In her current role, she works with international partners including UNDRR and regional insurers to develop innovative solutions such as anticipatory insurance schemes for cyclonic events, helping communities better prepare for climate disasters.
At WIN Convention 2026, Akata will bring valuable insights on how financial innovation and climate risk solutions can strengthen resilience for businesses and communities across the Pacific.
Emily King: Leading governance, law and financial sector leadership
Emily King, General Counsel of the Fiji National Provident Fund, is widely respected for her leadership in corporate law, governance and financial sector regulation.
With more than 18 years of experience across financial services and leading legal firms in Fiji, Emily has built a career advising on complex commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory frameworks. Her work also spans regulatory compliance, enterprise risk management and governance.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Emily has contributed extensively to professional and community organisations, including serving as chairperson of the Insurance Association of Fiji and as a council member of the Fiji Law Society.
She was also recently appointed to the board of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.
Her experience in governance, policy and corporate leadership will offer WIN participants a powerful perspective on leadership, integrity and navigating complex institutional environments.
Liliwaimanu Vuiyasawa: Advancing gender equality and workplace inclusion
Liliwaimanu Vuiyasawa is a lawyer, advocate and trainer with more than 16 years of experience championing gender equality, social inclusion and protection from gender-based violence. Her career spans civil society, legal advocacy and development practice. She previously served as a public interest lawyer with Munro Leys Lawyers and as in-house legal counsel for the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, where she supported survivors of violence through legal assistance and advocacy. Today, Lili works as an independent consultant with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation as a Gender and Childcare specialist, supporting private sector organisations to design family-friendly workplace policies and employer-supported childcare solutions. Her work focuses on addressing structural barriers that limit women’s participation in the labour force and promoting safe, inclusive workplaces that support working parents.
Inspiring leadership for a stronger future
As WIN Convention marks its fifth anniversary, the inclusion of leaders such as Akata, Emily and Lili reflect the growing recognition that women’s leadership is critical across sectors — from finance and governance to climate resilience and gender equality. Their voices will contribute to a powerful dialogue on how institutions, businesses and communities can work together to create systems that support women’s economic participation and leadership. The WIN Convention continues to serve as a national platform for collaboration, learning and inspiration — bringing together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, policymakers and development partners committed to investing in women and transforming the future of Fiji. Registrations for the WIN Convention 2026 will close on March 13, with only limited spaces remaining for this flagship national event celebrating women’s leadership and enterprise in Fiji.
n Fiona Dansey is the Coordinator for the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC), one of the 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
Emily King. Picture: WEBC/SUPPLIED
Liliwaimanu Vuiyasawa. Picture: WEBC/SUPPLIED
