PARIS, France — The recent establishment of Women in Tech Fiji has provided compelling evidence for the economic impact of gender-inclusive technology initiatives in Pacific island nations, according to analysis of the chapter’s early achievements and alignment with national digital strategies.Following a diplomatic reception hosted by French Ambassador Julie Le Saos in Suva on July 17, 2025, new data has emerged demonstrating how targeted women-in-technology programs can accelerate national digital transformation goals while addressing persistent gender gaps in STEM fields.
Research Findings on Economic Impact
The Fiji chapter’s integration with the country’s National Digital Strategy (2025-2030) offers a case study in how grassroots technology organizations can support macro-economic objectives. According to statements from Tupou Baravilala, Director-General of Digital Government Transformation at Fiji’s Ministry of Trade, the chapter’s work directly advances the strategy’s Digital Inclusion & Empowerment pillar.
“The synergy between Women in Tech Fiji’s mission and our national strategic objectives demonstrates measurable progress toward bridging the digital divide,” Baravilala noted during the reception, referencing the organization’s dual focus on rural and urban communities.
Global Context and Projections
The Pacific chapter’s launch comes amid sobering global research on gender parity timelines. Current projections suggest achieving full gender parity could require 134 years at present rates, according to recent economic analyses cited in the organization’s materials. However, targeted interventions like Women in Tech chapters are demonstrating potential to accelerate this timeline significantly.
Economic modeling referenced in the chapter’s documentation suggests that closing workforce gender gaps could contribute up to $28 trillion to global GDP—a projection that takes on particular significance for small island developing states seeking to diversify their economies through digital innovation.
Methodology and Regional Expansion
Women in Tech Global’s approach, operating under four strategic pillars—Education, Business, Digital Inclusion, and Advocacy—has scaled to over 250,000 members across 54 countries since its 2018 founding. The organization’s methodology emphasizes localized implementation of global frameworks, with the Fiji chapter representing the first Pacific regional expansion.
The chapter’s Country Director, Sagufta Janif, participated in VivaTech 2025 in Paris with French Embassy support, representing Fiji’s technology ecosystem alongside other Pacific startups in the inaugural Pacific Tech Village initiative.
Recognition and Future Implications
The chapter’s early impact has been recognized through multiple Asia-Pacific Women in Tech Awards, including Anju Mangal’s Global Leadership Award and three additional finalist positions across various categories, suggesting strong regional engagement and leadership development.
Ambassador Le Saos emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative within France’s Feminist Foreign Policy framework, noting that “technology serves as a force for inclusion, not division—developed by and for everyone.”
Looking Forward
The Fiji chapter’s trajectory suggests a model for other Pacific island nations seeking to leverage technology for economic development while addressing gender disparities. With the organization’s stated goal of impacting 5 million women and girls in STEM by 2030, the Pacific expansion represents both a regional milestone and a testing ground for scaling inclusive technology initiatives in geographically dispersed markets.
