The 2022-2027 Gender in Agriculture Policy in Fiji was launched at the South Sea Orchids in Nadi, Fiji, on 8 th March 2022 by Honorable Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Ms Rosy Akbar, together with Honorable Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Mahendra Reddy.

Representatives from women farmer and producer groups, development partners and government officials, gathered in Nadi for this important event, which represented an important milestone for the adoption of a gender sensitive approach towards agriculture plans and programmes.

The new Gender in Agriculture policy is based on the data analysis from the Fiji Agriculture Census 2020 that shows some inequalities between women and men in the sector.

Highlighting the need for women’s full and effective participation in the sector, equal opportunities for leadership and equal rights to economic resources and services, this policy aims at addressing the gender gap in agriculture in Fiji.

Under the leadership of the Economic, Planning and Statistics Division from the Ministry of Agriculture, this policy has been prepared with the contributions from the Ministries of Fisheries and Forestry, Economy, Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation with the guidance of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Speaking at the launch, Honorable Ms Rosy Akbar congratulated the Ministry of Agriculture for this important milestone and said that it was an achievement for the whole nation.

She encouraged all Fijians to break the barriers that prevent women’s full participation in agriculture, as they make an important contribution to livelihoods.

She said that inequalities existed and that gender equality was needed today for a sustainable tomorrow, giving women the rights that they
deserve and coming together to fully realise women’s rights.

Speaking at the launch Dr. Mahendra Reddy stated that only 14 percent of the farmers in Fiji are women and that this number needs to grow.

“We need to accept that there is a disparity, that women play a critical role and that they need assistance”.

He stated that it can be done through a bigger allocation of resources to encourage and assist more women to apply and benefit from the various agricultural initiatives and programmes.

In addition, supplementary budgets for initiatives dedicated to women, such as green houses, hydroponics, access to tools programmes etc. are currently implemented by the ministry and the new Gender in Agriculture Policy will be the basis for securing additional resources.

Ms. Nabola, a representative of female farmers said that this was an historical evening, not only for women in agriculture but for women in development.

She thought that the new policy will ensure more decision making for women and acknowledged that they had a hand in the policy preparation and will have a role to play in its implementation.

Participants had an opportunity to review the policy documents that were distributed among the participants and to discuss the next steps.

This policy represents a major opportunity to unleash the potential for women in agriculture, fisheries and forestry and to maximize their contributions to agricultural productivity and rural development, improving their lives and those of their families and communities.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj