The Fiji Association of Women Graduates (FAWG) Eliminating Barriers to Women’s Participation in Science and Technology Employment – experiences from Fiji – South Pacific. The Non-Government Organization Consultation Forum Salvation Army, New York. Dr. Akanisi Kedrayate 21st February, 2011

Agenda  Introduction  Status of Current Gender Enrollment  Gender Enrollment in Science and Technology Programs  Barriers and Elimination of Barriers  Conclusion

Introduction  Current Status of Gender within the Pacific Region, including Fiji.  Commitment to Educational Opportunities – Regional Governments.  A new Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005 – 2015 was framed in which gender equity was emphasized.  However, there are still barriers to women’s participation, particularly in science and technology employment.

Current Gender Enrollment at the University of the South Pacific

Gender Enrollment in Science and Technology Programmes YearProgrammeFM% F/M 2010 BENGTE5896% BENGTL91208% BENGTM5747% BSC % BSCMS % YearProgrammeFM% F/M 2009 BENGTE81038% BENGTL2763% BENGTM4518% BSC % BSCMS677194% YearProgrammeFM% F/M 2008 BENGTE1403% BSc % BSCEN103820% BSCMS91850% BENGTE – Bachelor of Engineering, Technology, Electronics BENGTL – Bachelor of Engineering, Technology, Electrical BENGTM – Bachelor of Engineering, Technology, Mechanical BSCMS – Bachelor of Science, Marine Studies BSCEN – Bachelor of Science,Engineering Keys

Gender Enrollment in Science and Technology Programmes YearProgrammeFM% F/M 2010 BENGTE5896% BENGTL91208% BENGTM5747% BSC % BSCMS % YearProgrammeFM% F/M 2009 BENGTE81038% BENGTL2763% BENGTM4518% BSC % BSCMS677194% YearProgrammeFM% F/M 2008 BENGTE1403% BSc % BSCEN103820% BSCMS91850% 2008 Total female students =104 Total male students = females increased to 504 (161%). Total male students= increased to 615 (122%). Total male students = 971 Total %- Female : 38% Male 62% Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment. Of 153 UG courses offered in 2009, only 7 included gender indicators in their course materials. Summary of Enrolment

What are the Barriers?  Cultural: Mainly patriarchal society.  Religion: Women have subordinate roles in the church. The creation story is used to emphasise male dominance.  Resources: Scarcity meant that males are chosen to be educated over females.  Gender Stereotyping-still prevails  Industries: Not very supportive to women participation  Legislation: limited allowances made for women until EEO policy.  Sexism : “Boys club syndrome”; maternity leave payment  Employability: Limited employment opportunities.

Efforts done to Eliminate Barriers  USP is committed to mainstreaming Gender from 2010 – 2012.Budget provided.  Gender Committee set up to advise VC on Gender policy and programmes.  In 2009, a study on ‘Assessment of Gender Content in Undergraduate Curricula’ was undertaken.  In 2011, all students take gender units in the 4 compulsory courses at USP.  Science workshops for students and teachers in rural secondary schools-supported by VGIF,FAWG, MOE, USP.

Efforts by Fiji Government  In 1998 the Ministry of Education, Women and Culture, Science and Technology monitors improvements in the status of women and encourages development of policies and programmes that address the needs of women.  The Government of Fiji made steps in launching a pilot equal opportunity/affirmative action programme.  The Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations is committed to the implementation of the commitments made at the Beijing Conference on Women in  Awareness on gender equality is inculcated at every strata of society.

Fiji Govt…..continued  Enact legislations &legislative framework for MDG 3: Promote gender equality and empower women.  Enabling environment for women/ gender mainstreaming.  Development and strengthening of government processes to be gender responsive.  Enhance sectoral and system wide commitment to mainstreaming women and gender.  Engendering macroeconomic policies, national budgetary policies and procedures.  Integrate gender training in educational institutions.

Fiji Govt……….continued  Affirmative Action targeted at women participation in all levels or strata of education, leadership, business, politics, religion.  Employers to be given rebates, tax concessions to employ women on merit basis.  International AID: to be tied to empowerment of women or better still to be managed by women.  More scholarships to be awarded to both employed and unemployed females to undertake studies in non- traditional programme, subjects at tertiary institutions locally and internationally.

Conclusion  Progress has been made in increasing women’s and girls’ access to and participation in education and training including science and technology, but still a lot more could still be done in educating teachers, parents and employers about gender equality in Fiji and Pacific Island nations.  Sensitizing and educating male population, as well as including them in women’s programmes are important strategies for change. Thank you for listening