Women’s Fund Fiji joins WE-Fi Code to advance women’s economic empowerment

SUVA, Fiji – 30 September 2026 – Women’s Fund Fiji has formally joined the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative Code (WE-Fi Code), strengthening its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and improving opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Fiji.

The WE-Fi Code is a global, multi-stakeholder initiative bringing together financial service providers, regulators, development banks and other financial ecosystem actors to increase financing and support for women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (WMSMEs).

Fiji was one of three pilot countries in the Asia-Pacific region to implement the Code, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The pilot phase, led by the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), concluded in December 2025 with 11 signatories.

Women’s Fund Fiji formally joined the initiative at a signing event hosted by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, alongside the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council and other partners.

Speaking at the event, Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali said increasing women’s participation in the economy was an important part of strengthening Fiji’s long-term economic growth.

“One way we can increase our growth is if we have more women participating in the economy. The signing today is more than a symbolic act – it is a sign of commitment.”

Governor Ali highlighted the importance of gender-disaggregated data, financial products tailored to women’s needs and systemic support for women entrepreneurs.

He said data collected by financial institutions was helping Fiji better understand gender gaps in financial inclusion and where further action was required.

Governor Ali also highlighted the significant participation of women in Fiji’s micro and small business sector and encouraged institutions to consider how greater participation by women in business, leadership and decision-making could contribute to Fiji’s economic growth.

Women’s Fund Fiji Executive Director Victoria (Vicky) Yee welcomed the organisation becoming a signatory, saying the partnership recognises the important role Women’s Fund Fiji plays in advancing women’s economic empowerment at both national and community levels.

“We pride ourselves on being an important stakeholder in advancing women’s economic empowerment. We are present across Fiji, including in remote communities where women’s groups are looking for opportunities and support. We provide funding and walk alongside these groups, providing the capacity building they need.”

Women’s Fund Fiji began as a programme in 2017 and transitioned to become a locally led, independent women’s fund. Since becoming independent in 2021, the Fund has provided approximately $8.6 million in grants, including more than $1.3 million towards women’s economic empowerment.

Ms Yee said the Fund was seeing growing demand for support in this area, with women’s economic empowerment receiving the highest number of applications across its thematic areas this year.

She said joining the WE-Fi Code would create further opportunities for Women’s Fund Fiji to connect its grassroots experience with national efforts to improve women’s financial inclusion.

“We hope this will help us connect with other key stakeholders so that we can partner and align ourselves more strategically at the national level. We have good data and evidence of the impact of our work, and we look forward to bringing that experience to this partnership.”

Through its grantmaking, Women’s Fund Fiji works with women’s groups across the country, including women in remote and underserved communities. Alongside funding, the Fund provides capacity-building support and works with its partners throughout their grant journey.

Under the WE-Fi Code, signatories commit to championing gender equality and financial inclusion, developing tailored solutions that respond to the needs of women-owned businesses, and tracking progress on their commitments.

The Reserve Bank of Fiji, with assistance from ADB, will provide guidance, support and capacity-building to participating organisations as part of the initiative.

For Women’s Fund Fiji, becoming a signatory provides an opportunity to bring the experiences and evidence of women and women-led organisations into wider conversations about financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment, while building stronger partnerships across Fiji’s financial and economic ecosystem.

ENDS

About Women’s Fund Fiji

Women’s Fund Fiji is a locally led, independent women’s fund and grantmaker working to advance gender equality and women’s human rights in Fiji. The Fund mobilises resources and provides grants and capacity-building support to diverse women, girls and feminist organisations and movements across Fiji.