Date: 08 Jan 2026
Strengthening Women’s Voice in Local Governance
In Fiji’s rapidly growing urban and peri-urban areas, leadership spaces are still largely male-dominated, and women often struggle to access decision-making roles. Yet women like Julekha Mustapha are challenging the status quo nurturing inclusive leadership and creating pathways for younger women to step forward.
A dedicated community leader from Kennedy Avenue, Nadi, Julekha has been involved with the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) since the mid-1980s. She helped establish the Nadi District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) in the 1990s, and decades later, she continues to lead as President of Nadi DCOSS, committed to her community even as resources shift across Fiji’s civil society landscape.
Her leadership roots trace back to her mother, whose service and dedication inspired Julekha from an early age. Today, she balances multiple leadership roles: National Vice President of the Fiji Muslim Women’s League, Vice President of Nadi Special School Board, Secretary of Nadi Active Women’s Forum, and Board Member of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG).
“Like my mother, I’ve always followed the path of service. Community work empowers me, and it empowers the women around me.”
Participating in the Balance of Power and Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) Women’s Leadership Pipeline (2023) initiative expanded Julekha’s confidence, sharpened her voice in decision-making, and strengthened her ability to engage diverse communities. She shares her learning widely, particularly through the Nadi Active Women’s Forum, a multi-ethnic group fostering unity and collective empowerment.
With decades of experience, Julekha has mentored countless women and now focuses on preparing the next generation of female leaders.
“Young women must step forward. We will mentor them. I don’t want to hold all the leadership roles; our role is to guide and support them to take these on.”
She encourages youth to engage in leadership camps, skills training, and sports to build confidence, networks, and voice. Community members and political actors have encouraged her to contest municipal elections, a natural next step given her years as a District Advisory Council member and community advocate. She approaches this thoughtfully, guided by ethics cultivated through the Leadership Pipeline program.
From advocating for infrastructure improvements in Kennedy Avenue to supporting disability inclusion and mentoring emerging women leaders, Julekha embodies leadership rooted in community. She continues to collaborate with FCOSS, FemLINK Pacific, and local women’s groups, expanding leadership training and civic education so more women understand their roles, rights, and responsibilities.
“Leadership is not just a title, it is responsibility, and service. With women empowered, we build stronger communities and a stronger Fiji.”
Julekha’s journey demonstrates the power of long-term civic leadership, a service-oriented mindset, and structured support like the Women in Leadership Pipeline initiative in preparing women to lead with confidence, integrity, and lasting impact.