Women are indeed equal partners in a country’s quest for economic and social progress, reiterates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Hon. Professor Biman Prasad.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony of the Kimaya House to the Tagitagi Mathar Sangam in Tavua, Professor Prasad said he personally believes in the huge importance of women’s contribution to society, especially for developing countries such as Fiji.
“However, for women to be able to effectively play this role, they must be adequately supported with the backing of all stakeholders including Government, businesses, development partners and others,” he said.
The handing over of the Kimaya House to the Tagitagi Mathar Sangam in Tavua is aligned to Government recognition of women’s right to enjoy a life free from violence and to access the entitlements, privileges guaranteed under our Constitution unencumbered by discrimination, culture or oppressive religious interpretation.
“Government continues to work with regional partners and civil society (including faith-based organisations) in the empowerment and development of women.”
As such, he said the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection have programs that are budgeted for in the 2024-2025 financial year to assist women in empowerment, financial stability, and sustainable livelihoods through income-generating projects.
Professor Prasad said a host of studies suggest that putting earnings in women’s hands is the intelligent thing to do because women have been proven to be good financial managers.
“When they control income, more is devoted to education, health and nutrition-related expenditures, and less is spent on alcohol, cigarettes and other unnecessary expenditures.”
Recently, Professor Prasad said we saw in the news about the graduation ceremony at the University of the South Pacific Laucala Campus where it witnesses a remarkable milestone of women that make up the 61 per cent of the 1,147 students that graduated over the two days graduation which was held in Suva this week.
“We, in Government, are dedicated to providing every child with the right to be educated to a standard, which equips them to fulfil their potential as citizens, to follow their dreams of a rewarding future.”
Professor Prasad said today marked another, yet important milestone for Tour Managers and the TISI Sangam on this accomplishment.
He acknowledged the Tour Managers Group of Companies for the invite and the organising committee for the warm welcome.
The Kimaya House was built for the women organisation in Tavua to use for their meetings, trainings and any other empowerment activities.