Trailblazing women
Profiles of remarkable leaders
IN the countdown to the 2024 WIN Convention, just two more weeks stand between attendees and an unforgettable experience with the WIN Convention speakers’ lineup.
This highly anticipated event, organised by the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council under the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, promises to be a transformative journey for all who participate.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exceptional event and shape a future where authenticity, courage, and empowerment lead the way.
Secure your seat now before it’s too late and embark on a journey of growth, inspiration and meaningful connections.
Speaker: Eseta Nadakuitavuki
— permanent secretary for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection
In the dynamic landscape of leadership, Ms Nadakuitavuki stands as a beacon of inspiration and dedication. Appointed as the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection in July 2023, she brings over two decades of leadership experience to her role.
Before her pivotal position in the ministry, Ms Nadakuitavuki showcased her prowess at Westpac Banking Corporation, Fiji branch, culminating in her role as senior, manager Sustainability & Community Engagement.
Ms Nadakuitavuki’s commitment to empowering women is evident in her role as the chairwoman of the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC), a position she held since its inception in 2013. Instrumental in shaping the council’s direction, she spearheaded the creation of the Strategic Plan and the annual Women Invigorating the Nation (WIN) Convention, a sustainable event that debuted in 2022.
Having participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program in Washington DC in 2022, Ms Nadakuitavuki has consistently represented Fiji on global platforms.
Her impactful presentations at local and international conferences, including the recent one in Seoul, Korea in November 2023, focused on Fiji’s stance on Violence Against Women (VAW) Prevention and the RESPECT
Framework.
Armed with a double major degree in Management and Public Administration and Industrial Relations from the University of the South Pacific, Ms Nadakuitavuki’s journey includes the prestigious Aspen Leadership program in Colorado, USA, in 2019.
A Leadership Fiji Fellow and a recipient of the Fiji 50 Independence Commemorative Medal, Ms Nadakuitavuki is not just a leader but a force driving positive change.
Married to Atunaisa Nadakuitavuki, with a 19-yearold daughter, Ms Nadakuitavuki continues to champion the cause of women, children, and social wellbeing with unwavering dedication.
Speaker: Seema Sharma
– permanent secretary for the Ministry of Local Government.
Ms Sharma, stands as a seasoned policymaker with an impressive 23-year career dedicated to shaping public sector policies.
In a pivotal move in December 2022, she assumed the role of overseeing local governance and town planning, embarking on a transformative phase in her already distinguished career.
Ms Sharma’s professional trajectory boasts a series of director-level positions within the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport. From director and registrar of co-operatives to acting director economics, acting director National Trade Measurement and Standards, and acting director Tourism, she has been a driving force in the nation’s economic landscape.
Notably, her decade-long tenure as director Trade showcased her instrumental role in trade negotiations, market access facilitation, investments promotion, and business reform implementation.
As the head of the local government sector, Ms Sharma leads a dynamic team of experts, focusing on local governance and town planning.
Her notable achievements include orchestrating the long-awaited local government elections after nearly two decades and spearheading the development of Fiji’s inaugural Urban Master Plan.
Through these initiatives, Ms Sharma demonstrates unwavering dedication to advancing local governance and fostering urban development for the greater good of the community.