Page 31 - IB March 2025

International

Women's Day

Ronaldine Tchivi

Latu Hola ( in red)
with Mereyani
Women of Kaiming Agro with officials from the Australia and Moceyawa at the new
New Zealand High Commissions at the new womens dormitory dormitory block

Empowering Women, Transforming Agri-Workplaces: Empowering Women in Leadership Fostering an Inclusive Culture
At Capital Insurance, we believe that diversity in leadership is a key
Empowerment starts with inclusivity. At Capital Insurance, we are
PHAMA Plus on Gender Equality and Inclusion in the Pacific driver of business success. Organizations that embrace diversity, equity, committed to creating a workplace where every voice is heard, every
perspective is valued, and every team member has equal opportunities
and inclusivity create stronger, more innovative workplaces.
For 58-year-old Latu Hola, the journey to work is often a test of demonstrates the transformative power of inclusion. We are committed to fostering the growth of women leaders across our to grow and succeed.
resilience. Through a partnership with PHAMA Plus that includes funding business in Fiji. Through meaningful career opportunities, targeted We recognize that gender-diverse leadership can drive stronger
financial performance, greater innovation, and more resilient
Each day, she braves the 90-kilometre round-trip from Suva to support to her employer Quality Solutions, Ronaldine is empowering professional development, and a culture that champions inclusion, we organizations. That is why we are dedicated to building diverse teams,
ensure that women at Capital Insurance have a voice, a seat at the
Kaiming Agro Processing Pte Ltd in Navua, where she works as a local producers, helping them meet certification standards like table, and the opportunity to lead with confidence. fostering inclusive leadership, and ensuring our company culture
ginger cutter, contributing vital work for one of Fiji’s major ginger HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) for global trade As we celebrate the strength, dedication, and contributions of the reflects the communities we serve.
exporters. The long hours and strenuous commute are made more and food safety. women in our organization, we reaffirm our belief that empowering
challenging when bus fares run short. Latu says some days she has “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of PHAMA women fuels resilience, innovation, and long-term success. Building a Future Without Limits
the fare to travel to Navua for work but not enough to get back home. Plus,” says Ronaldine, a graduate of RMIT University’s food At Capital Insurance we value inclusivity and are accelerating change
by ensuring that women have the support, resources, and
When this happens, she has to arrange for a place in Navua to stay technologist program. Supporting Women in the Community opportunities to thrive.
until she gets paid and can pay for her fare home. “When clients achieve certification, it’s a victory for everyone—it Beyond our workplace, Capital Insurance supports women’s As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we reaffirm our
Latu’s story took a hopeful turn in March when she and colleague empowers entire communities.” empowerment through meaningful initiatives that create lasting commitment to breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and
impact.
Mereseini Moceyawa (42-year-old) celebrated the opening of a new As a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of agriculture, driving lasting impact in Fiji.
women’s dormitory at Kaiming Agro Processing. Supported by the Ronaldine is determined to change the narrative.
Australian and New Zealand governments through the PHAMA Plus “We’re closing the gender gap in science—don’t let anything hold
Program, the dormitory will drive empowerment and safety for you back,” she declares, hoping to inspire other women to pursue
women. careers in science and agriculture.
The initiative not only provides a much-needed place for workers Her work with PHAMA Plus and Quality Solutions not only boosts
like Latu and Mereseini to stay, but it also serves as a safe house. business growth but also strengthens livelihoods across Vanuatu and
This reflects the company’s broader goals of promoting workplace the Pacific, contributing to a more inclusive economy.
inclusion and preventing domestic violence. The support provided to Quality Solutions is part of broader
With women making up 130 of its 180 employees across all levels efforts by PHAMA Plus to promote positive, safe, inclusive and
of production and leadership, this initiative is significant both for equitable workplaces in Pacific agriculture. For example in Vanuatu,
the company, and for Fiji and the Pacific region. More employers are what started as support to the Vanuatu Primary Producers Authority
beginning to address domestic violence, which affects two out of (VPPA) to address domestic violence and its impact on the workplace,
Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy:
three women in the country. has evolved into broader support to develop a Positive Workplace We supported the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) via the (Women Entrepreneurs Business
PHAMA Plus worked with Kaiming Agro Processing to introduce a Strategy. In this context, positive workplaces are where workers Council); one of the 9 council under FCEF, with an information session on general insurance for
Workplace Domestic Violence Policy. The policy prioritizes the safety are made to feel safe, valued and included, and where women are women entrepreneurs - an initiative that equips aspiring businesswomen with financial knowledge
and confidentiality of survivors while providing access to support empowered and treated equitably. The Strategy will guide VPPA and risk management skills. By supporting women in business, we help them secure their livelihoods
and drive economic growth.
services. It promotes a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence. staff and its 8,000 registered members in adopting practices that Career Pathways & Internship Programs:
#AccelerateAction | #IWD2025 | #Empowerment | #Inclusion | #CapitalInsurance
Capital Insurance provides a program offering
Additionally, the policy includes training for both management and prevent violence and harassment in the workplace, provide for equal #AccelerateAction | #IWD2025 | #Empowerment | #Inclusion | #CapitalInsurance internships for selected women from Homes of
staff to ensure its effective implementation and responsiveness to opportunities for all employees and ensure the safety of children and Hope and Loloma Homes, helping them gain work
the needs of workers. community members in delivering VPPA and its members’ work. The experience and financial independence. This
“The bus fares to and from work take up a significant portion of VPPA Positive Workplace Strategy will contribute to a more inclusive initiative underscores our commitment to
my income. I feel appreciated and heard in this workplace” says Latu, and equitable productive sector in Vanuatu. sustained, impactful change.
reflecting on the changes that have made her daily routine more This strategy is further complemented by PHAMA Plus’ work with
manageable. Her sentiments are shared by Mereseini, who, often has partners Spencer Cocoa and Quality Solutions in developing Child
to walk through flooded roads from Nakavu Village in Navua to reach Protection Policies, ensuring that children in the communities they
work during heavy rain. work with are protected from violence, harassment and exploitation.
Kaiming Agro Processing’s Managing Director, Calvin Qiu, By breaking down barriers and ensuring equal opportunities,
recognises the vital role workers like Latu and Mereseini play in the women like Latu, Mereseini and Ronaldine are becoming catalysts
company’s success. of change in Pacific agri-businesses and reshaping the agricultural
“When ginger cutters are unable to make it to work, it impacts landscape.
our production,” he shares. The new dormitory not only supports Sustainability & Social Impact:
Capital Insurance proudly supports an initiative in Fiji that transforms recycled materials into
these workers but also ensures the continuity of daily processing and innovative, upcycled products - aimed at empowering women with entrepreneurial skills and a
production—demonstrating how gender-inclusive policies can drive commitment to sustainability - proving that economic opportunity and environmental responsibility can
business growth and enhance worker well-being. go hand in hand.
Beyond Fiji, the program’s influence extends to Vanuatu, where
Ronaldine Tchivi, a 25-year-old food safety certification specialist, info@phamaplus.com.au www.phamaplus.com.au
Suva: 331 1055 service@capgrp.com
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