Fiji has taken a significant step toward advancing gender equality in the science and technology sectors with the official launch of the Women in Tech Fiji Chapter. This initiative marks a notable milestone in promoting the involvement and leadership of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across the Pacific region.
The launch event was graced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, who emphasized its importance as a landmark occasion within Fiji’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) calendar. He noted that the initiative is not only a boost for gender representation in STEM fields but also a catalyst for national economic growth.
Addressing the audience, Minister Kamikamica highlighted the global gender imbalance that persists in STEM-related careers. He pointed out that women currently represent only 31 percent of STEM researchers worldwide. Moreover, women occupy only one in every eight executive roles within the STEM industry. According to him, closing this gap is critical to achieving both social equity and economic resilience.
“It is essential that we build a technology ecosystem where women are not just contributors, but also leaders,” he stated. Kamikamica added that empowering women in STEM will enhance innovation and stimulate broader participation in the digital economy.
Citing statistics from 2022, he reported that the ICT sector contributed approximately 4.14 percent to Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Globally, ICT services are expanding at a rate twice that of the general economy and are generating employment opportunities six times faster than other sectors. These figures underscore the potential benefits of inclusive digital development.
The government’s commitment to digital inclusion has already been demonstrated through initiatives such as the “Girls in ICT” program. This project has successfully provided 55 female students from Vunimono High School with foundational skills in coding and problem-solving, helping to bridge the gender divide in tech-related education.
In line with its broader vision for digital transformation, the Fijian government has also launched the National Digital Strategy 2025–2030. The strategy is designed to guide the nation toward becoming a digitally empowered and cyber-resilient society. Key objectives include expanding internet connectivity in remote and underserved communities and equipping 100,000 Village Technology Agents (VTAs) with digital literacy training over the next three years.
These efforts are part of a wider national agenda to position Fiji as a regional leader in digital innovation. Kamikamica announced that Fiji will participate in the upcoming Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka, Japan. This engagement will enable Fiji to align with international best practices, foster new partnerships, and elevate its presence on the global digital stage.
The launch of the Women in Tech Fiji Chapter is more than just a symbolic gesture. It reflects a strategic approach to fostering gender inclusion, nurturing leadership, and stimulating sustainable economic development through technology. As the country moves forward with its digital transformation strategy, empowering women will remain a central pillar of national progress.
By creating more pathways for women in technology, Fiji is investing in human capital and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future.
