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 ForumSalvation Army, New York.

Dr. Akanisi Kedrayate21st 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.

The gap between males and females enrolled at university is narrowing but still more males are getting enrolled.

The difference between males and females receiving awards is narrowing but still more males are receiving awards.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Male 1893 1779 1691 1566 1634

Female 1189 1174 1110 1049 1129

Difference 704 605 581 517 505

300

500

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1900

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Enrolment by Gender

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Male 240 285 303 292 120

Female 167 178 207 176 82

Difference 73 107 96 116 38

0

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350

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Number of Awards by Gender

Current Gender Enrollment at the University of the South Pacific

Gender Enrollment in Science and Technology Programmes

Year Programme F M % F/M2010

BENGTE 5 89 6%BENGTL 9 120 8%BENGTM 5 74 7%

BSC 435 639 68%

BSCMS 66 49 135%Year Programme F M % F/M2009 BENGTE 8 103 8%

BENGTL 2 76 3%BENGTM 4 51 8%

BSC 423 636 67%BSCMS 67 71 94%

Year Programme F M % F/M2008

BENGTE 1 40 3%BSc 84 108 78%

BSCEN 10 38 20%

BSCMS 9 18 50%

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

Year Programme F M % F/M2010

BENGTE 5 89 6%BENGTL 9 120 8%BENGTM 5 74 7%

BSC 435 639 68%

BSCMS 66 49 135%Year Programme F M % F/M2009 BENGTE 8 103 8%

BENGTL 2 76 3%BENGTM 4 51 8%

BSC 423 636 67%BSCMS 67 71 94%

Year Programme F M % F/M2008

BENGTE 1 40 3%BSc 84 108 78%

BSCEN 10 38 20%

BSCMS 9 18 50%

2008 Total female students =104Total male students = 204

2009 females increased to 504 (161%). Total male students=837

2010 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 1995.

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