More women in leadership roles in some industries but calls made for equal pay

Women across various industries including market vendors, fisheries and construction are progressing in terms of leadership and equality but challenges of equal pay and calls are being made for women to be more assertive.

This has been highlighted during an International Women’s Day panel discussion organised by the Women in Media.

Nadi Market Vendors Association President Adi Bale Kurunavanua says the UN Women Market for Change project has encouraged women in the markets to be leaders because there are more women in the market than men.

She says when women step into leadership roles, they get things done and adds that as leaders, as mothers, and as grandmothers, they understand the needs of their spaces.

While encouraging more women to take on leadership roles, Adi Bale believes women are better than men.

Interim Network Coordinator for Women in Fisheries Network, Sainiana Hulita says compared to five years ago, women fishers have progressed really well as their voices are being heard in the communities they work in.

She says in the past, only men would speak in village meetings while women sat silently but now, women are part of various committees, their voices are heard, and they are gaining leadership roles.

Hulita says women in fisheries are now also progressing into the business space where before fished to feed their family or for gatherings but now, they have seen the need to try the business space.

She adds they are also given the chance to attend boat driving training because when they request fibre boats, it is a requirement that they first get licensed.

Founder of Women in Construction and Trade Kelera Mataika says women’s wages are not growing at the same rate as men’s.

She says there is an expectation that because they are women, they should work harder but not expect equal pay.

While highlighting her own experience as a 23-year-old construction site worker and having to change in the same room as the men, Mataika says some construction sites with women do not have a women's toilet and have to share a men's toilet.

She says they need a special class in school to teach women how to have autonomy and how to verbalize their needs.

While highlighting the lack of skilled trader workers, Mataika says women have an eye for detail and they excel at tiling, painting, and building.

She adds being a builder is way easier than being a housewife and in encouraging young women to consider learning a trade and joining the industry.