Government has signed off an agreement that will see more entrepreneurship opportunities made available to women around the country.
The agreement which was “sealed between the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation, Courts Fiji Limited and the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD)” is designed to promote women entrepreneurs in the country. Once in effect, this agreement will make new economic projects and business opportunities more accessible.
The Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni said this new development broadens the scope of opportunities that women in the country should take advantage of.
“The new partnership will create economic opportunities for women to venture into new business opportunities. This initiative will empower them with the necessary tools to become financially independent and improve their livelihoods and that of their families”, Minister Luveni said.
“We are thankful to Courts Fiji Limited and South Pacific Business Development for this partnership that promotes the economic empowerment of women in Fiji,” Dr Luveni said.
While signing the agreement, Courts Fiji Limited director marketing Mr Anil Senewiratne reiterated that the agreement will also enable women to buy products from Courts on discounted prices.
“In the initial start of this partnership last year we had already conducted more than 30 sewing trainings programs which have benefited 450 women in rural areas to develop sewing skills. With the start of the sewing machine program, we have realised that the women have so much potential in starting their own business and through this agreement they can now purchase the equipment for their businesses from Courts at highly discounted prices,” Mr Senewiratne said.
Interested applicants will have to register with the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) who will then assess their needs and challenges and will then present them with vouchers identifying them as eligible candidates for the program. Once eligible, these women are able to purchase equipment for business ventures.
“These are equipment like brush cutters, sewing machines, microwave, deep freezers, cooking stoves along with farming tools. The SPBD will give them a voucher, they will show that voucher and get the product from Courts and start making money out of it. SPBD will be collecting the payments and providing the business training to the clients. We are confident that like the sewing machine program this initiative will also grow from strength to strength,” Mr Senewiratne added.
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