Fiji Airports workforce still male-dominated

Fiji Airports remains heavily male-dominated with women representing just over 20 per cent of its workforce despite recent recruitment efforts.

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence review of Fiji Airports’ 2022 Annual Report revealed significant gender inequality across the state-owned enterprise.

“Fiji Airports remains a male-dominated organisation, but recent efforts have slightly improved female representation to over 20 per cent,” the committee noted in its findings tabled in Parliament this month.

The report highlighted that women were particularly underrepresented in technical and leadership roles within the aviation sector.

Committee chairperson Lenora Qereqeretabua recommended Fiji Airports formalise and expand its Gender Equality and Inclusion Strategy with measurable targets to increase female representation.

“This should include sustained investment in leadership development programmes, mentorship, inclusive workplace infrastructure, and gender-sensitive recruitment practices,” the committee stated.

The recommendation aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality and national gender equity commitments.

Despite the gender imbalance, the committee noted positive developments in the Air Traffic Management team, which achieved 40 per cent female representation.

The Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services also made progress by recruiting two female fire officers at Nadi International Airport, with ongoing efforts to attract more women.

Fiji Airports was recognised as the first state-owned enterprise in Fiji to appoint a Gender and Social Inclusion Officer, demonstrating commitment to addressing workplace equality.

The committee’s review followed oral submissions from Fiji Airports in June and site visits to Nadi International Airport.

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