FELIX LESINAIVALU
The advocacy for women entrepreneurs is on the rise globally, especially in Fiji, from civil servants to the private sector. This was highlighted by First Lady Filomena Katonivere as she attended the 2022 Women’s International Convention (WIN) closing dinner at the Grand Pacific Hotel, recently.
In her address, Lady Katonivere highlighted the work of the Women Entrepreneurs and Business Council (WEBC) in developing and supporting women entrepreneurs and women business leaders. “This signifies the magnitude of the impact women entrepreneurs have and the contributions that they have made and continue to make towards the growth and well-being of our society.”
The convention programme included speakers from different industries; and a variety of panel discussions with experts in each field.
Lady Katonivere acknowledged the contributions of the speakers, presenters and moderators as well as the delegates and the support of funding partners - Women’s Fund Fiji, the US Embassy Suva, the French Embassy, the British High Commission, and the Asia Foundation.
“I understand that the role of the members involved in this council is to advise their clients on the challenges and needs of women entrepreneurs in the country and to coordinate feedback loops on project effectiveness between beneficiaries and the project team.”
“I am pleased to note that the WEBC is associated with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and promotes a key objective to migrate women entrepreneurs from the informal sector to the formal sector to now having its own coordinator that supports and coordinates all activities for its members.”
Lady Katonivere added that the role of the members involved in the council is to advise their clients on the challenges and needs of women entrepreneurs in the country and to coordinate feedback loops on project effectiveness between beneficiaries and the project team.
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