“When Fijian women earn, they do not benefit alone – their families and communities benefit as well as they re-invest their income into the well-being of their families.” These were the sentiments shared by the Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Veena Bhatnagar yesterday (26/08/22) when she visited the Vatukoula Multiracial Women’s Club in Vatukoula.
During Bhatnagar's visit, items were also handed over to kick start the group members’ income generating activities which included sewing machines, mats and bales of material which will begin their tailoring business.
Bhatnagar also enlightened members of the club who were present, that training opportunities are available through various non-governmental organizations that provide support for underprivileged women interested in taking up economic empowerment initiatives.
The Assistant Minister further stated, “It gives me great satisfaction to see Fijian women who have taken up opportunities available to them and have put their skills, traditional knowledge, entrepreneurial abilities and artistic aptitudes to use that to generate income.”
Bhatnagar also encouraged the women stating that, “Now is the time for all Fijian men and women alike to be economically active as we build back our economy from the downfall caused by the pandemic. The Fijian Government is here for you and will support you in every way possible in proactive efforts to address the root causes of poverty in Fiji.”
The Assistant Minister also acknowledged the support of the men in the community who were present during the handover yesterday, thanking them for the much-needed support towards the initiatives that the women of the community have ventured into which will in turn benefit their families and their community.
The newly formed Vatukoula Multiracial Women’s Club located along the Vatukoula Back Road, currently has 10 members who live within the cane farming community. “During a visitation to Disability Allowance Scheme recipients by the Assistant Minister last month, members of the club requested assistance with an income generation project for its members, a dream which has become a reality today,” states Vatukoula Multiracial Women’s Club President Ms Riteshni Lata Prasad.
Apart from the Club members and their families, the handover event was also attended by residents from the cane farming community, District Officer Mr Osea Ravukivuki, Special Administrator Tavua Ms Praveena Kishore and Executive Committee members of the Tavua Women’s Forum.