Women from across Fiji’s aviation sector came together on 29–30 June for the Sky Leaders: Women’s Workshop on Strategy, Influence and Leadership, marking an important step in strengthening women’s leadership and advancing the Fiji Women in Aviation Network.
The two-day workshop brought together representatives from Air Terminal Services, the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), Fiji Airports, Fiji Airways, Joyce Aviation and Fiji National University and was supported by the Australian Government’s Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) Program. The workshop provided participants with the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and develop practical strategies to strengthen women’s participation and leadership across the aviation industry.
A significant milestone was achieved at the conclusion of the workshop with participants developing a draft constitution for the Fiji Women in Aviation Network and establishing a committee to guide the network through its next phase of development.
Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji’s Chief Executive Officer, Theresa Levestam, said, “The Fiji Women in Aviation Network was launched in 2024 and now we are working together across the aviation sector to connect, elevate and advocate for every single woman”.
The workshop was an opportunity to hear from women in aviation and to hold panel discussions around gender equality, leadership, training, education and skills development while creating a safe space for open and frank discussion and learning.
Also attending this workshop was Shanaya Shyam, a graduate of Griffith University Australia and Australia Awards Scholar, “I am grateful for the opportunity with Australia Awards and have obtained a bachelor’s in aviation management. Now being in Fiji and seeking employment, I think the Women in Aviation Network serves as an opportunity for me to connect with inspiring women leaders from the aviation industry and explore potential career pathways.”
Executive Director of the P4A program James Ramsay said, “It is encouraging to see Fiji and Tonga both establish Women in Aviation Networks. This work reflects P4A’s commitment to promoting gender equality, disability inclusion and accessibility in the Pacific aviation sector. The Women in Aviation Networks will create opportunities for collaboration and help pave the way to more diverse and inclusive aviation workforce for Fiji and the wider Pacific”.
The Fiji Women in Aviation Network will provide an important platform for mentoring, professional development, collaboration and advocacy, helping more women thrive and lead across every part of the aviation industry.
