13 Sep 2017

Fiji's Forests Minister says 43 percent of his staff are women

10:06 am on 13 September 2017

The Minister of Forests in Fiji says his ministry is leading the way as a shining example of gender equality, with a 36 percentage point jump in female workers.

Osea Naiqamu has told parliament that since government came to power in 2014 his ministry has worked on boosting the number of female staff.

Itu Josaia (L) and the logging team take a break while dragging logs by hand in Nasau Village, Koro Island.

Photo: Itu Josaia/Fiji Red Cross Society

Mr Naiqamu said although the forest industry had traditionally been dominated by men, things were changing.

"The ministry has seen a growth in the number of female employees from seven percent to 43 percent of the ministry's workforce. A motivational fact for all women in the ministry is the appointment of the first ever female Conservator of Forests," said Osea Naiqamu.

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