Minister questions absence of registered women engineers

Women make up 12% of the Fiji Engineering Association's membership, but there are no professionally registered women engineers on Engineers Fiji's list.

Minister for Women Sashi Kiran has challenged the industry to address barriers facing women in engineering and called on Engineers Fiji to address the lack of professionally registered women engineers in the country.

Speaking at the International Women in Engineering Day 2026 networking event at Airports Fiji Limited's NASA Hall in Nadi yesterday, Ms Kiran said more needed to be done to remove barriers preventing women from entering, remaining in and advancing within the profession.

"I am told that while 12 per cent of the membership of the Fiji Engineering Association are women, you are yet to have a professional woman engineer on Engineers Fiji's list. So I would like to ask the president, what could be done to change this?" she said.

Ms Kiran said that although women make up 49.3 per cent of Fiji's population, occupational stereotypes and workplace barriers continue to limit opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

"Women pursuing careers in engineering continue to face systemic barriers, from limited exposure to STEM during their early years to challenges in workplace retention, career progression and leadership opportunities," she said.

"The Fiji Country Gender Assessment highlights that occupational stereotypes continue to influence career choices, despite girls performing well throughout the education system."

Ms Kiran called for stronger mentorship programmes, particularly in engineering design, saying women's perspectives were essential in creating inclusive and accessible infrastructure.

"Having women at the design stage brings different lenses that ensure inclusivity for elders, people living with disabilities, and the creation of child-friendly, safe and green spaces."

She said the Government's Women's Economic Empowerment National Action Plan 2025-2030 aimed to increase women's participation in STEM, technical trades and high-growth industries.

"To every young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer, an architect, a construction professional or an innovator, I have one simple message: Believe in yourself. Never allow anyone to tell you that engineering is not for girls."