Date: 14 Jan 2025
The recent Mana Enhancing Evaluation Workshop held on December 23, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in Fiji’s efforts to build a Women in Leadership Talent Pipeline. The workshop, convened by the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) in partnership with Balance of Power (BOP), provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress of the initiative and strategize for the future.
According to FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga, the workshop focused on refining the Women in Leadership Talent Pipeline framework to ensure it remains adaptable and relevant as Fiji approaches upcoming municipal and national elections.
“We’re refining our focus to ensure the framework is adaptable and relevant, especially as we approach upcoming elections,” Catanasiga said.
She added that “This isn’t just about contesting elections. It’s about transforming communities and fostering leadership that makes a difference.”
The Women in Leadership Talent Pipeline is a pioneering initiative aimed at increasing women’s active participation in leadership at both the community and national levels. The program identifies and nurtures women leaders from Fiji’s District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) networks, supporting them to take on more prominent leadership roles.
Speaking about the framework, Executive Director of Balance of Power, Ro Mereani Rokotuibau highlighted that the concept was inspired by FCOSS’s long-standing efforts to support grassroots leadership.
“The pipeline is about creating opportunities for women who have demonstrated the ability to mobilize and bring positive change within their communities. We’re looking at how we can help them grow into larger roles, potentially even in political leadership,” Rokotuibau said.
The initiative took shape during the pandemic when FCOSS observed the critical roles women played in community mobilization. Using their SAUTU framework and other lessons, FCOSS began piecing together the Women in Leadership Talent Pipeline.
Following a series of conversations and preliminary engagements, a formal partnership was established between FCOSS and Balance of Power. The collaboration includes capacity-building workshops, mentoring programs and a pilot project aimed at identifying and nurturing women leaders across FCOSS’s extensive DCOSS network.
According to Catanasiga, the partnership focuses on elevating women leaders who have been pivotal in community development.
“We’ve spent the past two years studying how women lead in their communities, the challenges they face, and what has supported them in their journeys. Our goal is to build a framework that bridges the gap between local and national leadership,” Catanasiga said.
The partnership also emphasizes inclusivity by engaging male allies within the DCOSS network. Recognising the importance of male support in leadership transformation, Balance of Power and FCOSS have involved men in their training sessions and discussions.
One key component of the initiative is the Vakatawa Noke Project, which addresses governance gaps in informal settlements. The project aims to set up governance mechanisms in these communities, ensuring that women have a voice in decision-making processes.
As the program moves forward, the focus will be on identifying potential candidates for the 2026 national elections and providing tailored training and mentorship to strengthen their leadership capabilities.
The initiative also seeks to build a community of practice where women leaders can continuously share experiences and learn from one another.
With a commitment to fostering inclusive leadership and addressing governance challenges at the community level, the Women in Leadership Talent Pipeline is poised to contribute significantly to Fiji’s leadership landscape.