Westpac Fiji yesterday held a series of branch ceremonies to recognise the 30 recipients of its 2026 Women and Girls Education Grant.
The ceremonies were held at Westpac branches in Labasa, Lautoka and Suva, bringing recipients and their families together with bank staff to celebrate their achievements and educational aspirations.
Westpac Fiji CEO Shane Smith said the branch events provided an opportunity to recognise the individuals behind the winning entries and acknowledge their efforts.
“This program is about recognising the talent, ideas and ambition of women and girls across Fiji,” Mr Smith said.
“Each recipient shared thoughtful reflections on how education can help create positive change for women and girls.”
Head of Corporate Affairs, Marketing and Community, Pacific, Rachel White also attended the ceremonies and said the events provided an opportunity to meet recipients and their families and hear about their plans.
Ms White said the bank was also able to thank the families, schools and communities that had supported the recipients.
The ceremonies follow the announcement of the 30 grant recipients under this year’s theme, Balance the Scales: Empowering Fijian Women and Girls through Education.
Recipients were selected across primary, secondary, tertiary and adult learning categories, with the grants intended to help reduce financial barriers to education and support continued learning.
Westpac said its staff used the branch events to learn more about recipients’ experiences, aspirations and future goals.
The bank said the program forms part of its commitment to investing in education, expanding opportunities and supporting the next generation of women leaders across Fiji.
