“Do something today for which you will be remembered tomorrow”, was the message delivered by the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni to the women in Koronubu and Tauvegavega settlements.
During her official visit to these two communities in Ba last week to launch the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign, Dr Luveni encouraged the women to use their talents and engage into sustainable income generating projects.
“Women have an important role to play in the economic development of this nation. The men are there to support us but however women need to develop their own abilities to be able to contribute towards their household income.
“Women have been bestowed with god given talents and if you are not earning an income then you are not fully using your talents. In villages, women are encouraged to form their women’s group and do activities like weaving, handicrafts, tailoring, baking and catering to earn extra money for themselves. We are also blessed with marine and agricultural resources which should be utilized fully,” Dr Luveni said.
The Ministry, she said, is also providing funding for the women’s group to build women resource centres as a platform to enhance their skills and resources to provide economic opportunities for unemployed women.
“In the last two years the Ministry has constructed 45 women centres around Fiji and there are more to come. The objective of these centres is to develop the economic potential of women through adoption of One Centre One Core Product, concept. The centre also provides information and training opportunities for women to build their leadership skills and make informed decisions. It’s a great incentive for women to work together, develop their income generating skills and alleviate poverty in their communities,” Dr Luveni reiterated.
The Minister has encouraged the women’s groups to visit their nearest divisional women offices to access advice on assistance for women centres or any assistance and information they may need on government’s empowerment programs for women.
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