Fiji has launched national preparations for the National Women in Agriculture Symposium, signalling a renewed focus on women's economic empowerment across the country's primary industries.

The Government confirmed the symposium will bring together women working in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, sugar and artisan sectors to address long-standing barriers to participation and growth.

Preparations were officially launched at the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry headquarters in Raiwaqa, with senior government officials, women representatives, development partners and industry stakeholders in attendance.

Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, said women remain central to Fiji's rural economies but continue to face structural barriers across the sector.

"Globally, women account for nearly half of the agricultural workforce, and research shows that closing the gender gap in agriculture can substantially increase productivity, strengthen food security, and lift communities out of poverty," he said.

"In Fiji, women are the backbone of rural communities - cultivating crops, managing fisheries, leading agroforestry initiatives, and supporting household and village economies - yet their contributions are often under-recognised and under-supported."

The launch marked the start of a coordinated, whole of government approach to improving access to land, finance, training, technology and markets for women in primary industries.

The symposium has been positioned as a practical response to these challenges, aligning with the Women's Economic Empowerment National Action Plan and the Policy on Gender in Agriculture.

It will bring together all ministries responsible for primary industries to collaborate on addressing gender gaps and improving service delivery to women across food systems and value chains.

Key milestones were announced as part of the preparations, including the opening of Expressions of Interest for the Women in Primary Industry Awards.

Registrations have also opened for participants wishing to attend symposium workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions and field visits.

A national awareness campaign will showcase women who have transformed small-scale operations into sustainable and profitable enterprises through innovation, climate-smart practices and improved market access.

Over four days, the symposium will feature policy dialogues, hands-on technical workshops, agribusiness pitching forums, investment and market linkage opportunities, exhibitions and visits to women-led enterprises.

The program will culminate in the first ever Women in Primary Industry Awards Gala Night, recognising achievements by women across agriculture, fisheries, forestry, sugar and artisan sectors.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Dr Andrew Tukana, said the symposium represents a collective national effort across the sector.

"This symposium is not just a Ministry event, it is a collective venture of Fiji's entire primary industries sector," Dr Tukana said.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry is partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry to deliver the event, reflecting a cross-sector approach to women's participation in food systems.

The symposium also aligns with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, reinforcing its focus on strengthening women's roles in agriculture, aquaculture and forestry.

Mr Tunabuna said investment in women working in primary industries delivers broad economic and social benefits beyond individual enterprises.

"It is building food security, resilience to climate change, and sustainable prosperity for all Fijians," he said.

Research cited during the launch indicated that equal access to resources can significantly lift productivity while strengthening household and community outcomes.

Government representatives acknowledged the role of development partners, agencies, non-government organisations and the private sector in supporting the symposium.

Further collaboration was encouraged to ensure the event delivers lasting and inclusive impact beyond the symposium itself.

The launch formally commenced nationwide preparations, setting the foundation for a coordinated effort to strengthen women's participation, leadership and economic opportunity across Fiji's primary industries.

The National Women in Agriculture Symposium is scheduled to run in Suva from 8 to 11 March 2026.

Source - https://nit.com.au