Fiji completes assessment on gender barriers in forces, report launched

Fiji has become the first Pacific Island country to complete a Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) assessment across both its military and police forces.

A Gender Barrier Assessment Project Report was launched at the Novotel Convention Centre, Lami, yesterday by Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua and Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.

Mr Tikoduadua said the report would directly shape how the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and Fiji Police Force trained and promoted their personnel.

“This report will not simply become another publication on a shelf. Its findings will help shape the way we strengthen our institutions, develop our people and prepare the next generation of leaders within our discipline forces,” he said.

Ms Kiran said her ministry would stand behind implementing the report’s recommendations through Phase Two of its Gender Transformative Institutional Capacity Development initiative, alongside 14 government ministries.

Participants gathered at the Novotel Convention in Lami for the launch of the Gender Barrier Assessment Project Report on June 30, 2026.

Photo: Asenaca Ratu

“Armed with this evidence, we are now in a stronger position to move beyond assumptions and develop practical evidence-based roadmaps,” she said.

RFMF director human resource management Colonel Jofiliti Talemaibau said the findings exposed real barriers within the military.

“It also reveals persistent structural, cultural, and institutional barriers that limit the full participation of women in our ranks,” he said.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said change must start within the forces themselves.

From left; Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran, Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua together with senior military and police officials during the launch of the Gender Barrier Assessment Project Report on June 30, 2026.

Photo: Asenaca Ratu

“I firmly believe that everything starts at home. Are our women getting fair treatment from the leadership of the forces? Is the working environment suitable for our mothers, sisters, daughters who are also our comrades?” he said.

Elsie Initiative Fund manager Deborah Warren Smith, speaking via video message, congratulated Fiji on the milestone.

“Fiji is the first Pacific Island country to undertake a MOWIP assessment across both its military and police institutions,” she said

The fund will support translating the recommendations into action through its fourth programming round.