More than 200 women from across Fiji gathered in Suva this week for the 2026 National Women in Agriculture Symposium, as the Government pushed to grow women's leadership in primary industries where they currently make up about 14 per cent of participation.

The three-day symposium brought together women farmers, fishers, processors, foresters, policymakers, development partners and private sector representatives under the theme, Women at the Helm: Empowering Fiji's Women Farmers, Fishers, Processors and Foresters to Access and Grow Markets.

The event placed a national focus on the role women already play across farms, fisheries, forests and rural enterprises, while also highlighting the barriers that continue to limit their full participation in the sector.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Dr Andrew Tukana said increasing women's participation in primary industries was a key priority for Fiji's development, food security and economic growth.

"Women play a vital role in Fiji's agricultural and rural economies, yet their participation in the sector remains relatively low," he said.

"Currently, women make up around 14 per cent of participation in primary industries, and the Ministry of Agriculture is working to gradually increase this through targeted programs, improved access to resources, training and stronger market linkages."

Dr Tukana said the gathering created space for women to build networks, exchange ideas and grow their enterprises.

"This gathering is about bringing women together, creating space for them to learn from one another, build networks and access the knowledge and opportunities needed to expand their businesses and contribute to the growth of Fiji's primary industries," he said.

Permanent Secretary for Information Eseta Nadakuitavuki also pointed to the importance of digital inclusion and leadership development for women in rural communities.

She said stronger institutional support for women's cooperatives could help women contribute more effectively to policy discussions, strengthen rural enterprises and influence decisions affecting their communities.

Their work contributes to food production, economic growth and community wellbeing.

The event was officially opened by Australian High Commission Counsellor Andrew Shepherd who said women's leadership in agriculture was critical to stronger agricultural value chains and stronger communities.

"When families plan together and share responsibilities more fairly, they organise labour better, invest more wisely and strengthen their pathways to market," he said.

"These experiences show that when women's leadership is recognised and supported, agricultural value chains become stronger and communities benefit."

Over the three days, participants took part in policy discussions, entrepreneurship workshops, climate-smart farming demonstrations, digital marketing sessions and networking opportunities with buyers and investors.

The symposium featured business pitch competitions, export-readiness clinics, meet-the-buyer sessions and field visits to successful agricultural enterprises.

At the National Women in Agriculture Symposium Gala Awards Night, 24 women were honoured across different categories for their contributions to agriculture and rural enterprise.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the awards recognised the critical role women play in strengthening the rural economy, improving food security and building resilient communities.

She said women across Fiji were active in goat and livestock farming, dairy and cattle production, poultry and piggery enterprises, root crop and vegetable farming, organic herbs and spices, apiary and fruit orchards, agro-processing, value addition and fresh produce supply chains.

"Many of these enterprises began as backyard initiatives or small family farms," Ms Kiran said.

"Today they have grown into registered businesses supplying municipal markets, supermarkets, hotels and even export channels."

The awards night also drew attention to the fact that women's work in the sector has often been unpaid, informal or under-recognised.

"Tonight we are changing that narrative. These awards recognise women farmers as agricultural entrepreneurs, climate responders, food security champions and business leaders," Ms Kiran said.

The symposium also highlighted policy efforts aimed at addressing structural barriers facing women farmers, including limited access to land, finance, technology, extension services and market linkages.

Training sessions and networking opportunities focused on crop diversification, agribusiness development, value addition, integrated farming and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

An agri-tourism session also explored opportunities for women to diversify income and connect agriculture with Fiji's tourism industry.

Field visits gave participants practical insight into sustainable farming practices and agribusiness development.

The symposium concluded with a renewed focus on capacity-building initiatives, partnerships and policies aimed at supporting women farmers and creating a more inclusive agricultural sector.

Ms Kiran said empowering women in agriculture was central to building stronger communities and sustainable livelihoods.

"When women farmers succeed, Fiji succeeds," she said.

"When rural women earn income, poverty declines and communities become stronger."