Fijian Women – Key Providers to Sustainable Development Goals (A Case Study of the University of Fiji)

Abstract

Fijian women continue to engage in decisive roles in the fields of economic and social development of Fijian society through paid employment services in the various sectors of the economy. In light of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and Fiji’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), striving a balance in the three pillars of SDG namely economic, environment and social is fundamental in achieving sustainability and overall growth of the country. However, with the growing concerns of gender equality across the globe, it is imperative than ever to sustain the growth of Fijian women through education, capacity building, improved healthcare, equal job opportunities and women participation and representation at national levels for decision making processes. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the various roles played by women workforce at The University of Fiji and their contributions towards sustainable development of women. The paper further examines the prospects of development and growth as well as challenges impeding Fijian women at The University of Fiji in realizing their potential to effectively and intensely contribute towards the growth of the country. The paper will plausibly explore resolutions to equip Fijian women workforce at The University of Fiji in order to effectively contribute towards the sustainable development and growth of Fiji.