Innovation, technology for gender equality
Aglobal day celebrated each year on March 8, International Women's Day recognises women in the various fields of occupation, and the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
The day also establishes itself as a focal point in the women's rights movement, bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
Women have always played a vital role in society, from making a house a home to successful achievements in the work field, and pushing for change on the global sector.
This year's theme "DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality" recognises and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.
As we advance in terms of technology and innovation, women must adapt to a society that equips itself in digital spaces.
Certain advancements have made women's life a lot easier, such as the introduction of mobile wallets in which one is able to pay their bills from the comforts of their home, grocery shopping online have allowed women to multitask daily chores, working from home is achievable, etc.
Bringing women into technology results in more creative solutions and allowing access to the internet has greater potential for innovations that meet women's needs and promote gender equality.
Their lack of inclusion, by contrast, comes with massive costs.
Today, we recognise women in all levels, from those that are the backbone of our households to those in high offices pushing for changes in society.
In Fiji, females have been recognised to make up 73 percent of unpaid household work, and females in the labor force do more unpaid household work per week of 29 hours.
This is a depiction that even as women make a name for themselves in their jobs at the end of the day we come back to our homes and our families, working even harder to ensure our households are well-taken care of.
Individual recognition of each and every woman on this planet for their hard work is amassed, however, this day ensures that women whether you are a stay-at-home mum, a CEO or a student, your achievements are recognised as a whole.
International Women's Day pushes women to be great and do great things, understanding that there is no limitation to what you can achieve whether it may be in a maledominated occupation or in a fast-advancing digital space.
The Council prides itself in having equal representation, in which we have a strong team of female staff, with a number of them in senior positions.
As we are focused on the needs of consumers, our community work and awareness have worked in reaching more female-based audiences as these are the very individuals that make the final household decisions, those that keep a steady watch over family budgets and family savings.
The Consumer Council of Fiji therefore would like to wish all females a very special International Women's Day, to make the best use of ever-growing digital spaces and to understand that women play as much an equal role in society and in our economy.
Just like cells are building block of life, the basic unit of society is a woman.