More women groups in Fiji will now have the opportunity to receive sewing machines and establish tailoring programs for women.
This has been made possible through 300 sewing machines that were presented to the Ministry of Women by the Government of India.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar thanked the Indian High Commission for the timely donation.
“Since 2009, the Ministry has so far distributed 3077 sewing machines to 1709 communities and 25 individuals. I’m proud to state here that these sewing machines have become reliable tools in improving lives of women and children. As of 2009 the Ministry has received a total of 800 sewing machines from India. These sewing machines will help the women to learn sewing skills and also earn income for their families. I express our heartfelt appreciation to the Government of India for such a timely and significant donation.
“I am confident that during the National Women’s Expo 2015, there will be a grand display of sewing products. When we staged the ninth Divisional craft show in Suva, women sold a wide range of items that were produced using the sewing machines that had been given to them by the Ministry. This indicated that they had made a good use of the tools provided to them. The new set of sewing machines given today will propel us to expand the coverage of women’s organizations and individuals in Fiji,” Minister Akbar said.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Gitesh Sharma said that the Government of India looks forward to more strengthened collaboration with Fiji.
“We have always been happy to have this wonderful partnership with Fiji. In 2009 we had contributed 500 sewing machines to Fiji and I am sure they are assisting women to generate income and live a dignified life.
“Fiji and India have a special friendship and we will continue working together to make a positive impact in the society. We look forward to many more projects and proposals from the Ministry particularly those that are focussed on the empowerment of women and children,” Mr Sharma said.
Catholic Women’s League president, Susana Evening said the sewing machines project is a profitable venture.
“We had received 10 sewing machines last year by the Ministry which has been very beneficial to the women groups. Women are able to sew school uniforms and other clothing items to make money. Tailoring can be a potential business opportunity for unemployed women. We look forward to display our sewing skills during the National Women’s Expo in October this year,” Ms Evening said.