FIJI has deployed an estimated 813 women from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to United Nations peacekeeping missions since 1978, underscoring the country’s strong contribution to global security operations despite ongoing international gender gaps in uniformed services.
According to the Gender Barrier Assessment Project Report presented at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami this week, women currently make up just 5.9 per cent of UN troops and 14.4 per cent of formed police units as of October 2025, well below the 2028 targets of 15 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.
The report also shows that 29 Fijian women remain deployed in Syria and Sinai in 2026, while Iraq (UNAMI) leads with 350 female personnel globally.
Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua said Fiji must focus on genuine inclusion rather than numbers alone as it worked to strengthen its disciplined forces.
“This marks an important milestone for Fiji’s disciplined forces and our collective commitment to building institutions that are stronger, more inclusive, and better prepared for the future,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
He said the findings must be translated into action across the security sector.
“If we are serious about preparing our institutions for the future, we must also be willing to ask difficult questions about whether everyone has the same opportunity to serve, to lead and to succeed.”
“That is what this assessment is about — it is about understanding, not assuming, and listening, not guessing.”
He said women’s participation was about fairness, leadership and operational strength.
“This is important because women’s meaningful participation is not simply about achieving equal numbers. It is about recognising that every individual deserves an equal opportunity to contribute their skills, experience and leadership,” he added.
Mr Tikoduadua said leadership and commitment would drive real change, adding Fiji remained committed to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
