Empowering young women through faith and leadership - In the Words of Olivia Melissa Baro

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Olivia Baro is the Ecumenical Youth Engagement Coordinator at the Pacific Conference of Churches and she joined a two-day intergenerational dialogue “Waves of Change: Pacific Women Lead Across Generations in Fiji” aimed at advancing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making and transforming gender norms which took place on 30 September and 1 October 2025 in Nadi, Fiji.

I studied Marine Management at the University of the South Pacific, but long before that, I was already deeply engaged in ministry work. Volunteering in different spaces and organizations helped me see how faith and service connect to social issues. That experience shaped my passion for engaging to make a difference in my community.

When I was invited to apply for my current role, I had just become a mother. I knew it would be challenging to balance motherhood and a new leadership position in a faith-based organization, but I felt called to try. My family has been my greatest source of strength and support. Without them, I would not have had the confidence to take this journey.

Working in across different church institutes can be difficult, especially as a young woman in a space often dominated by men. There’s a strong hierarchy, and everyone has an opinion about how the church should operate. But instead of seeing this as a challenge, I take it as motivation. I remind myself that if God placed me here, He will carry me through.

In Fiji, it is still rare to see women in leadership, whether in church or parliament. When I see even one or two women elected to office, it inspires me. It shows that barriers can be broken, that women can lead despite the social norms that try to confine them to the background. What we need now is to shift our mindset: women do belong in decision-making spaces.

For me, leadership begins early. We need to encourage girls from primary and secondary school to take on small leadership roles, because every small step builds confidence. Even when no one notices your work, keep doing it. Every effort builds you into a stronger leader.

Sometimes, the hardest challenge is yourself, your own doubts. Believing in yourself is a daily act of courage. I’ve learned that having honest, supportive conversations with those around me helps me push through those moments of uncertainty.

There are also topics that remain taboo in the church, like sexuality or politics, but having that conversation is already a first step. Through intergenerational conversations between elders and youth, we can bridge gaps and learn from each other’s wisdom and experiences.

My greatest motivation is my daughter. I speak up because I want a better world for her generation, one where women lead without fear or limitation. My message to young women and girls is this: if I can do it, so can you. Believe in yourself. Believe in God. And never give up on your purpose.

The Church and society may still move slowly, but change is happening. More women are stepping into leadership roles, and every step forward counts.

The Convening took place under the WYDE | Women’s Leadership initiative, funded by the European Union, which is a collaborative global effort aimed at advancing women’s full and effective political participation and decision-making at all levels, especially those most often left furthest behind.

Note: These publications aim to stimulate a constructive debate on key issues of interest for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. The views expressed by the individuals interviewed for the production of our editorial content do not necessarily reflect the official position of UN Women, the United Nations system agencies or the European Union.