Women leaders from the construction and fisheries industry and market vendors are calling for stronger government action, better support systems and improved infrastructure to bridge gender gaps in business, markets and rural communities.
The call was made during an International Women’s Day panel discussion organised by the Women in Media Fiji today.
Nadi Market Vendors Association President Adi Bale Kurunavanua says there is a need for more women to stand up, encourage other women to take part in leadership roles and support one another.
She says standing up used to be a taboo but they have received training through UN Women's Markets for Change and believes that times have changed.
Adi Bale further says women often face challenges when coming to the market to sell their produce where some have to come by horse and bring their produce to the market.
Meanwhile, Interim Network Coordinator for Women in Fisheries Network Sainiana Hulita says most women fishers from the rural community do not get the full services such as when they want to apply for a license or open a bank account.
She says the ministries are located far away from each other.
Hulita suggests services be housed in one building so it can make it easier for rural women to access the service easily.
Women in Construction and Trade founder Kelera Mataika says not enough work is being done towards empowering women.
She suggests higher taxes on businesses for not employing enough women or giving them equal pay.
Mataika says as a businesswoman, if you hurt people's pockets, they will pay attention.
She hopes to see more women in Parliament but also agrees that that is how people have voted.
Mataika, however, adds that if more women stood up, more would be voted in.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is "March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls – Let’s Accelerate Action".
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