WHEN we talk about growing Fiji’s economy, we often focus on investment, productivity, exports, infrastructure and labour market participation. Yet one of our country’s greatest opportunities lies much closer to home: supporting more women to start, grow, formalise and scale successful businesses.
Across our urban centres, rural communities, creative industries, service sectors, agricultural value chains and informal economy, women entrepreneurs are creating jobs, supporting families, strengthening communities and driving innovation.
However, despite their contributions, many continue to face structural barriers that limit their ability to fully realise their business potential.
The Fiji Women’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan (WEE-NAP) 2025–2030 recognises both the scale of women’s contribution and the scale of the opportunity before us with a plan to increase:
1) women’s labour force participation from 32 per cent to 60 per cent by 2030,
2) proportion of women-owned registered micro, small and medium enterprises from 19 per cent to 50 per cent by 2029.
Pathway to achieving this
Research consistently demonstrates that entrepreneurs who have access to mentors are more likely to grow their businesses, increase revenues, build confidence, strengthen decision-making and develop the professional networks needed to succeed.
Effective mentorship offers guidance, accountability, access to experience and perhaps most importantly, the confidence to pursue opportunities that may otherwise seem out of reach.
The WEE-NAP specifically identifies targeted mentorship as a key intervention under Pillar Two: Women in Business, recognising that access to capability development, networks, leadership support and business guidance are essential components of inclusive economic growth. However, this only forms part of the extensive workplan outlined under WEE-NAP.
WEBC closing the gap
At the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation, we have long understood that business success is strengthened through collaboration, shared experience, and leadership development. Through the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC), we have seen firsthand the impact that peer learning, mentoring relationships and practical business support can have on women entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey.
This understanding has informed the development and execution of the EmpowerHer Pathways: Inclusive Mentorship and Capacity Building for Women-Led Businesses initiative with the support of Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection (MWCSP).
The program has been specifically designed to move beyond traditional classroom training by placing mentorship at its core.
Participants worked directly with experienced women business leaders to develop practical business improvement plans, strengthen their communication and leadership skills, and build lasting professional networks that continue beyond the formal training programme.
Particular emphasis is placed on supporting women entrepreneurs operating in the informal economy, women with disabilities, those engaged in creative and cultural industries, and women seeking to strengthen their access to business development opportunities and formal markets.
So far, WEBC have completed two sessions across Suva and Nadi with 50 mentees and 15 mentors!
The value of initiatives such as these extends well beyond the individual entrepreneur.
Stronger women-owned businesses contribute to greater household resilience, increased employment opportunities, more diverse industries, stronger local economies and enhanced national productivity.
Impact to Fiji’s economy
For Fiji to achieve truly inclusive and sustainable economic growth, we must also invest in people. Mentorship, capability development, leadership support and access to professional networks must be strategic investments in our nation’s economic future.
As Fiji continues to pursue its development ambitions under Vision 2050, strengthening pathways for women entrepreneurs to succeed will remain essential.
By creating opportunities for women to learn, lead, connect, formalise and grow, we are investing in a stronger, more resilient, more productive and more inclusive economy for all.
n GAYLENE KAMALI is manager Advocacy & Corporate Communication for Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF). The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Fiji Times.
Gaylene for picture byline
