There are fewer women in Fiji's workforce – Kuruleca

There are more girls than boys in school, with more girls graduating from secondary schools and more women graduating from tertiary universities however, this is not translated into our work force.

This has been highlighted by the Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca while speaking at the 2024 Women Invigorating the Nation Convention at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Kuruleca says there are 6,568 women in their Ministry, and most of them are at the top level, but this is not the same for many other sectors.

The Permanent Secretary says they are encouraging women and girls to take courses that are male-dominated because many times women are reminded of gender stereotypes.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Seema Sharma says women's empowerment should also focus on economic empowerment so that they have the means to earn for themselves.

Sharma says they want more women to participate in the local government elections so that they bring about changes that will benefit other people.

She says the Ministry of Women is doing awareness sessions in the North and West regarding this.

Sharma further says that according to the 2022 general election statistics by the Fijian Elections Office, only 37,252 women voted for women.

She adds that a lot more needs to be done to motivate women in businesses, local government elections, and education.

About 220 women are participating in the Women Invigorating the Nation Convention.

The convention continues today.