Women journalists from across the Pacific gathered yesterday as the Women in Media Fiji (WiM Fiji) announced its first-ever inaugural conference to be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. The two-day conference, running from today, brings together leading women journalists, media practitioners, civil society representatives and regional stakeholders under the theme “Resilience in a Rapidly Evolving Media Landscape”. Fijian Media Association (FMA) president and WiM co-founder Rosi Doviverata said the inaugural conference was timely given the real and imagined challenges that come with changing times. “This inaugural conference would allow women journalists, invited speakers, stakeholders and participants to dialogue, share their experiences and explore strategic pathways for advancing women’s voices in media,” Mrs Doviverata said during a press conference at the Fiji Times conference room yesterday. The conference is aligned to the organisation’s three-year strategic plan developed in 2023, with a vision to lead and empower women in the media nationally and regionally, fostering connections across the Pacific. WiM is an initiative of the FMA that was established three years ago after lawyer Ana Tuiketei challenged the idea of setting up a safe space for women content producers during an elections workshop in February 2022. Women on the front lines FMA general secretary Stanley Simpson said women have been on the front lines of newsmaking and history in Fiji, including during the 2000 and 2006 coups. “Women journalists were some of those who bore the brunt of some of the crackdowns and the clampdowns,” Mr Simpson said. “Having women in media is, in my opinion, a really true reflection of the country. “You play a crucial role in shaping narratives, challenging stereotypes, promoting gender equality,” he said. The conference features local speakers including Ms Tuiketei and leadership consultant Ana Laqeretabua, as well as Dr Nicci Sweaney from Australia who will address artificial intelligence issues and ethical challenges. Major sponsors include the Australian Government, British High Commission, Reserve Bank of Fiji, ANZ, Vodafone, BSP Life, Events Plus, Encore, CKS Suva Bargainm Boss Communication, and the Grand Pacific Hotel. Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj