HAVING at least 30 per cent women in leadership positions in organisations adds up to 6 per cent to net profit margins.
This was the message from Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa to participants at the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation’s top executive conference in Nadi yesterday.
She said the figures were derived from a study done by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, where data was analysed from about 22,000 globally trading companies in about 91 countries around the world from various industries and sectors.
“Simply put, having more women in leadership roles is smart economics,” said Mrs Vuniwaqa.
“And the sooner managements and employers realise this, the sooner attitudes towards women workers and work culture will change.”
She said another myth was that women were not interested in technology and male dominated industries.
“Although the disparity in these industries is evident, women are unapologetically capable of participating in these industries.
“I am very proud of the women in Fiji and around the world who are shattering stereotypes and making their mark in these industries despite the misconception that the job they want to do is a ‘man’s job’.
“At this juncture I wish to acknowledge Graduate Women Fiji for taking this subject into serious consideration and not only equipping women to study in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields but also facilitating summer camps for young girls to educate them about STEM fields and encourage them to take up higher education and jobs in STEM industries.”
