21 November 2025: Leading Pacific women-run digital businesses participated in a training programme designed to strengthen women’s leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities in the digital economy.
The participation of Pacific women entrepreneurs in this year’s global eTrade for Women Masterclass for Asia and the Pacific was supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and Australia.
Of the 22 participants from across Asia and the Pacific region, five outstanding women were selected from the Pacific and Timor-Leste, marking a strong representation for the Blue Pacific in the training programme. The training programme was organised by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Economic Institute for ASEAN and East Asia from 18 to 21 November 2025 in Manila, Philippines. The training offered a rich peer-to-peer learning platform and equipped participants with practical digital skills to strengthen their businesses, enhance their online presence, and unlock new opportunities in cross-border trade.
PIFS Deputy Secretary General, Ms Desna Solofa, said, “Women are an essential part of our growing digital economy in the Blue Pacific. The Forum Secretariat is proud to support a select number of Pacific women to participate in this vital training programme, providing the opportunity to strengthen their digital and entrepreneurial skills, learn directly from successful women leaders across the region, and expand their understanding on how to operate and compete in global markets. Their involvement ensures that the Blue Pacific is not only included in, but actively contributing to the growth of the global digital economy.”
The four-day Masterclass explored core areas central to modern business growth, including brand development, effective online marketing, the use of customer insights to inform business decisions, strategies for scaling on limited budgets, and the practicalities of navigating cross-border e-commerce. Participants also gained exposure to successful digital companies, deepened their understanding of intellectual property, and strengthened their leadership and peer support networks across the Asia-Pacific region.
This year’s cohort included Marianna Ellingson from Papua New Guinea (AIDAN Limited); Shenal Harakh from Fiji (Sunset Studio); Naheeda Maqbool from Fiji (ZONAH UNITED); Flora Brytes from Timor-Leste (TimorGetaway); and Irene Abbock from Vanuatu (Tidy Haus Cleaners & Babysitting Service).
Reflecting on her experience, Fiji participant Naheeda Maqbool shared, “Representing Fiji at the UNCTAD eTrade for Women Masterclass in Manila was a transformative experience. It elevated Fiji’s presence on an international platform and strengthened my mission to advance agriculture trade and community-driven exports. The knowledge, digital tools, and powerful network of remarkable women leaders from across Asia have opened new pathways for collaboration, visibility, and growth, not just for me, but for all the rural women farmers of Fiji supported through ZONAH UNITED, whose products and dreams I carry with me.”
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About eTrade for Women
The eTrade for Women initiative, led by UNCTAD, empowers women digital entrepreneurs in developing and least developed countries through leadership training, peer learning, and access to global e-commerce networks.
Contact: Pacific E-commerce Unit on email ecommerce@forumsec.org
