The emerging role of women makes them important contributors in the socio-economic development and as a result there is a need to maximize on their participation in development planning and implementation.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation is promoting women development through strategizing on income generating projects and alternative livelihoods, which elevates the economic status of the women and paves the way for them and their families to graduate out of poverty.
As outlined in the Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development 2009 to 2014, the Government continues to encourage women into alternative livelihoods by training them to fully utilize their skills and resources to elevate their status in the society.
In line with this commitment, the Ministry has organized a “Women in Development Expo” which will coincide with the Fiji Day Celebrations.
The Expo will provide an opportunity for women to showcase the various income generating activities that they undertake to earn a living. It will focus on utilization of local products to produce handicraft, artefacts and other accessories.
The women will get an opportunity to learn about the different income generating projects, alternative livelihood support programs, Cottage Industry Development Program and training offered by the Department of Women. The women will get to build their networks, display and share the different skills and information.
The partnership between the Ministry and Republic of Indonesia will see the availability of Mr Supriyono Fransiscus Xaverius, an expert from Indonesia to who is in the country spearheading the two months, “Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop for Bamboo, Coconut and Batik,” for women in the Central/Eastern, Western and Northern Division.
The artifacts and accessories completed through this training will also be displayed at Expo and this will also be pursued further on the Rural Women’s Day to be celebrated in October this year.
During the Expo, Mr Xaverius will do demo’s on the, “Bamboo, Batik and Coconut,” crafting and the Indonesian Women’s Association will also be part of the, “Women in Development Expo.”