Page 19 - IB April 2025

ICT ICT

DIGITAL ERA LOOMS

By Ema Ganivatu including:
• Digital Learning Labs: Focused on providing digital
“Not just a platform, but a movement. Not just a launch, education to schoolgirls in rural areas.
but a promise.” These were the words of Sagufta Janif, • Mentorship and Professional Development: Offering
Country Director of Women in Tech Fiji (WiTF), during the targeted programs to enhance the skills and confidence of
official launch of Fiji’s first national chapter of Women in women in tech.
Tech® Global. • The WIT-H Talent Hub: A women-led job board designed to
The Suva launch brought together senior government connect diverse talent with industry opportunities.
officials, private sector leaders, and members of civil society • “Mentor Me” Program: A cross-generational mentoring
to mark a step forward in empowering Fijian women and girls initiative that accelerates career growth and builds
within the technology and innovation sectors. confidence among women in tech.
“This is what we’ve built with them, for them,” Janif Janif emphasised that these efforts are not just about
said, reflecting on the journey that began one year ago at providing access to opportunities but also about creating
a co-creation event hosted by Outsource Fiji. “We asked a robust and supportive community for women across Fiji.
women what they dreamed of and what barriers they were “We want communities to feel part of the journey, not just
tired of navigating alone. Now, we’re delivering the tools, the spectators of change,” she said.
platform, and the community to break those barriers.” As part of a global movement, Fiji joins 57 Women in Tech®
The launch was further highlighted by the presence of Global chapters around the world, united by a shared vision:
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, a world where women and girls thrive in STEAM (Science,
Manoa Kamikamica, who highlighted the economic Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), shaping the
importance of digital inclusion and gender equity. future with confidence and excellence.
“Inclusion is no longer a moral issue alone, it is a strategic The goals of Women in Tech Fiji align closely with the
economic driver,” Kamikamica asserted. “Empowering women Fijian government’s National Development Plan (NDP), which
in tech is not just the right thing to do - it is the smart thing includes a target to train 100,000 Fijians in digital literacy
to do.” within the next three years. The government has recognised
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Fiji’s digital the chapter as a key partner in achieving this objective and
transformation is progressing rapidly, with major investments has reaffirmed its support for the initiatives underway.
such as the upcoming FJ$200 million green data centre, the In addition to its national efforts, Fiji is poised to play an
introduction of Google’s subsea cable, and the rollout of influential role on the global stage. A delegation from Women
Starlink across rural areas. in Tech Fiji will attend the Women in Tech Global Summit in
He stressed that Fiji’s vision includes women not only as Osaka, Japan next month, where Fiji is set to sign the Osaka
consumers of technology but as creators, developers, and Protocol, an international commitment to advancing gender
leaders in the tech space. equality in technology.
As Fiji’s digital economy continues to expand, already
A full-circle approach: From education to leadership contributing over 4% to the national GDP, the demand for a
Women in Tech Fiji aims to provide comprehensive support diverse, digitally skilled workforce is more pressing than ever.
to women and girls at every stage of their journey in the “This is only the beginning,” said Janif. “When we invest in
tech sector. The chapter’s work will include initiatives aimed women, we amplify impact. When we close the gender gap in
at fostering digital literacy and leadership development, tech, we unlock economic potential for everyone.”

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