Report finds value of unpaid household work in Fiji greater than sugar or tourism

December 12, 2007



An Australian-commissioned report released today, has estimated the value of unpaid household work in Fiji at almost $480 million, a figure greater than the income created by sugar or tourism in Fiji.

Dr Wadan Narsey’s report, titled Gender Issues in Employment, Unemployment and Incomes in Fiji, also found that women were unable to pursue professional development or other income-generating opportunities because they shouldered an unequal burden of household work.

Launching the report at the University of the South Pacific, Deputy Australian High Commissioner Mr Andrew Martin, said Australia funded the report to build a collective understanding of gender inequality in relation to employment in the region.

“We already know that the employment of women has done more to encourage global growth than capital investment increases and productivity improvements. But we also know that the vast majority of women in Fiji are engaged in low-paying or unpaid work,” Mr Martin said.

“While gender inequality in this area is by no means a problem unique to the Pacific, Dr Narsey’s report adds to our understanding of these issues and reveals some challenging situations for progress in gender equality in employment.”

The report points to some positive signals of change over the past 25 years. In some industries, income disparities between men and women have been reversed for women with certificate and diploma level education.

“The report demonstrates the importance of education as a powerful tool to improve the employment status and welfare of women and their households. This is not just important for sisters, daughters and wives but for improving the standard of living for entire families.”

AusAID’s gender policy mandates all aid programs and policies to integrate gender equality principles. One of the gender policy’s key outcomes is to improve the economic status of women and Dr Narsey’s report assists in creating the evidence base required to achieve this.

Australia considers advancing gender equality essential to reducing poverty and increasing the effectiveness of aid. In 2006/07, Australia directly contributed $6.5 million towards achieving gender equality in the Pacific region.