There are only 19 percent of businesses owned by women, and the majority of these are micro-enterprises.
This has been highlighted by the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya this morning while officiating at the 2024 Women Invigorating the Nation Convention at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
She further says women entrepreneurs face numerous obstacles, such as restricted access to finance, inadequate collateral, technology, and prevailing gender biases, all exacerbated by social norms and discriminatory structures that limit their business growth.
The Minister says one cannot fully engage in the economy or decision-making processes if they are fighting gender-based violence on a daily basis, privately, publicly, and online, or health issues like breast and cervical cancer, which are the main causes of death for Fijian women.
Tabuya says Fijian women entrepreneurs have an impactful contribution to the economy and society and are a crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation.
She says this also lays the foundation for women in the future to be well-represented across all sectors of the economy and shatter the glass ceiling by paving their way as leaders and decision-makers in boardrooms.
The Minister says the more we delay gender equality and women’s rights, the more we all stand to lose.
Tabuya says Fijian women and girls continue to shoulder the majority of unpaid care and domestic duties and are mainly engaged in the informal economy.
She adds only 46 percent of women are in the labour force, compared to 83 percent of men; however, 57 percent of university graduates are women and girls, compared to 43 percent of men, which highlights a significant disparity between educational achievement and economic engagement.
The theme for this year's WIN Convention is 'Revitalize for Resilience: Fostering an inclusive inspiration for all'.
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