Strong, bilateral ties between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China this year have resulted in timely assistances that empower local women with income generating programmes.
The growing bond between the two countries saw the arrival of the All China Women’s Federation (ACWF) vice president Madam Meng Xiaosi in April this year to officially hand over 700 sewing machines to the Fiji Women’s Federation (FWF).
The third advisory committee meeting for FWF this month, reported that the timely donation of sewing machines had resulted in more than 300 women groups both in the rural and peri-urban areas benefiting from the sewing programme.
Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni’s visit to the People’s Republic of China in September this year to visit ACWF, further strengthened the two countries commitment in working together for the empowerment of rural women in Fiji.
ACWF has pledged to provide another 400 sewing machines next year.
Dr Luveni, while confirming the above said the 400 sewing machines would arrive this month.
They will fulfill the ministry’s target of providing at least two sewing machines to each village in Fiji in a bid to boost the financial earnings of rural women.
“We had very encouraging news this morning that another 400 sewing machines will be arriving from the People’s Republic of China late this month so that will add to 1500 sewing machines altogether we have received for the financial empowerment of rural women in Fiji,’ Dr Luveni said.
Apart from creating opportunities for rural women, Dr Luveni said the sewing machines would facilitate her visits to the rural and outer islands to actually meet the women and witness their challenges and determine ways in which the Government can help.
“So we have got very good stakeholders, who have expressed their support in the procurement of more sewing machines so with their help we will reach out to women in remote areas because there will always be need for sewing machines as a means to earn money for their families and for women organisations,” Dr Luveni said.
“A lot of villages have none or a few sewing machines and I see the elation in their faces when they see the sewing machines given to them. I love to see the confidence and hope in their eyes and that keeps me going and I am not going to stop till we have covered all villages in Fiji,” Dr Luveni said.
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