The New Samaritan Mission International (TNSMI), a non-government organisation promoting the socioeconomic empowerment for women in Fiji had their prayers answered when the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni visited them this week at Vuci South, Nausori in Tailevu Province.
While her visit was in response to an invitation from TNSMI to learn about government’s programs for rural women, the discussions between Dr Luveni and 62 women members of TNSMI witnessed the unfolding of an opportunity for them to finally secure government assistance for one of their development projects.
TNSMI executive director Mr Misiviliame Nakavou revealed that through the financial assistance that will now be provided by government, their organisation can finally complete a new Women’s Centre in Waidra, Naitasiri.
“It will be a national women’s centre designed to facilitate trainings and coordinate income generating activities for our women representatives from all over Fiji. The construction of the centre started last year with contributions from women and we needed supplementary funding to have a fully fletched facility”, Mr Nakavou said.
“The Ministry will provide $5000 to help us complete the centre and start with economic empowerment projects for our women”.
Mr Nakavou said the Ministry will also provide 6 sewing machines to help the women with sewing skills development.
“This donation will be a timely resource for the Women’s Centre to channel the women into tailoring business where each of the trainees will be given $100 to start their business and encouraged to buy their own sewing machines.”
Apart from sewing, Mr Nakavou said the women will also have the opportunity to participate in microfinance programs.
“The trainings at the women’s centre will see them developing their business plans and their skills development will be recognised with certificates. It initiative provides a new hope for women and we appreciate the government’s bottom up approach to reach out to grassroots people and we thank Dr Luveni for being the first minister to come down to our level to assist us,” Mr Nakavou added.
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