The world has been denied of many female leadership positions.

It’s time we ‘Break the Bias’.

That’s the message from the Women in Business president, Nur Bano Ali, at a cocktail event at the Grand Pacific Hotel celebrating International Women’s Day on Tuesday night.

A night of glamour, the Grand Old Lady was the place to be for many of the women leaders in Fiji.

“The world is lacking and it’s wanting of more inclusive, more holistic leadership, which women bring,” Ms Ali said.

“And we have been missing out on it for a very, very long time.”

“Let’s not the cheat the world anymore of our leadership.”

“And let’s not waste the talent pool that we have.”

The event was sponsored by Digicel Fiji.

Digicel Fiji Chief Executive Officer Farid Mohammed (second from left), with his team during the Women In Business celebration of International Women’s Day at the Grand Pacific Hotel on March 8, 2022. Photo: Women in Business

The telco Chief Executive Officer Farid Mohammed reflected on Consumer Council of Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Seema Shandil’s message to his team, earlier that day.

“Most of us are parents or have brothers and sisters who are looking to choose a career path,” Mr Mohammed said.

“In the previous days, there was very segregated work.”

“If I talk to my parents about doing something – it’s a man’s job.”

“If my sister talks to my parents – it’s a female’s job.”

“We need to start in our homes and support our families, our children, our brothers and sisters, in the dreams that they have.”

“We truly believe that everything can be done by everybody.”

Women leaders during the Women In Business celebration of International Women’s Day at the Grand Pacific Hotel on March 8, 2022. Photo: Women in Business

Loudly And Proudly
ANZ regional executive – Pacific Islands Tessa Price said while there was progress in amplifying women’s role in organisations, there was still work to be done.

“If we want to accelerate change, we need to celebrate achievements, shine a light on positivity and tell these stories loudly and proudly,” she said.

“The people in this room have come here to a reason: you are all leaders and influencers.”

“You can break the bias starting today, you are the role models.”

“I encourage you to stand beside the girls and women in your lives and champion them daily in big and small ways.”

“Let’s all get out there and shine the spotlight on our successful female role models.”

South Pacific Business Development Board Director, Lorraine Seeto, Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts and also for Local Government, Housing and Community Development Premila Kumar and Women in Business Executive member Vishala Raman at the Grand Pacific Hotel on March 8, 2022. Photo: Women in Business.

Fiji National Provdent Fund Chief Executive Officer, Viliame Vodonaivalu and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service Chief Executive Officer
Mark Dixon also spoke at the event.

A donation of $5000 was also made to Women in Business.

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj