"The Singer Sewing Training, a newly established joint venture between Courts Fiji Limited and the Ministry of Women is creating skills development and income generating opportunities for women in Fiji."
The first training organised in Suva recently witnessed a total of 40 women from women Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) being trained in creative sewing patterns and were presented with certificates by Courts Fiji to recognise their new skill acquired.
The training is facilitated by two sewing educators, Mrs Damayanthi Ranasinghe and Mrs Kate Gray who have come from Australia to train our local women on creative sewing skills to sew items like dresses, shirts, pants and bags with different design patterns.
This week a similar opportunity was been provided to 40 women from Nadi, Lautoka and Ba to enhance their sewing skills through a two day Singer Sewing Training held at Narewa Methodist Hall in Nadi.
Ministry of Women and Social Welfare permanent secretary Mr Govind Sami said this initiative will complement government’s effort to encourage women to pursue economic activities and reduce poverty.
“These women are seen as agents of change, for now they will have the skills and given their women groups already have sewing machines they are empowered to generate income and contribute towards their household income for an improved livelihood. Increasing economic opportunities for women is one of the key pillars of the Women’s Plan of Action, a 10 year plan guiding the government on women development in Fiji.
“The Ministry acknowledges the timely assistance and partnership forwarded by Courts Fiji Limited in initiating this program” Mr Sami said.
Similarly, Courts Fiji Limited Director of Marketing Mr Anil Senewiratne said the company is glad to support government’s plans for women development and there will be similar programs in future.
“Training of this nature provides platform for women to become financially independent. It makes them realize that skills development is not a choice rather is an important tool for survival in this competitive world. From our analysis, sewing is one of the ideal income generating avenues for women with expected income earning of $85 for sewing items like shirts and trousers.
“As part of this initiative women are also given discounts to buy singer sewing machine that is normally sold at $459 is now given at a price of $299,” he added.
Women in western divison gathered at the Narewa Methodist Hall for the Singer Sewing Machine facilitated by Ministry of Women and Courts Fiji Limited partnership