Fiji has mainstreamed Gender issues in its Trade Policy Framework with the view that women in business and in the work force are a powerful source of economic growth for the country.

This was presented to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Nairobi Kenya by Minister for Industry and Trade Faiyaz Koya.

Koya highlighted that Fiji has women holding senior positions, such as Ambassadors, Judges, Magistrates and Legislators.

There are also women CEOs, Chair and Board Directors in Government Statutory Organisations. 20 percent of Permanent Secretaries are women.

The General Debate at the Conference in looking at “Women as agents of economic change”.

Koya highlighted that women still face considerable hurdles in terms of taking advantage of the business opportunities including opportunities trade liberalization offers.

To counter this Fiji has provided women entrepreneurs from rural communities and outer islands an opportunity to link to markets, to retail their products under one roof through a National Women’s Expo.

Policies such as the Micro Small Business Grant also helps women play an active role in the economy.