The commitment by communities around the country to protect and promote the rights of women were praised today by the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.
At the opening of the Nasalia Womens Centre in Naitasiri this morning, the head of government pointed out that this initiative has led to the growth and development of these communities across the country.
“This Nasalia Centre is part of a national campaign to improve the economic status of Fijian women in rural communities. They are the backbone of these communities and are the key to future development. I want to thank the people of Nasalia for providing us with the land and labour to build this Centre”.
Designed to provide women in Nasalia village an avenue to promote their products, the centre will also become a breeding ground for women empowerment and a reminder of the villagers’ commitment to protect and promote the rights of women.
“We believe that the best and most effective way to empower rural women economically in Fiji is to identify what they can best produce and support that in every way. It’s a concept that we call “One Center One Product”. This means that individual women in different parts of the country specialise in making a product that they do well, attain a consistent standard and produce something that can be marketed more effectively so that they get the maximum return”, Prime Minister Bainimarama said.
The Prime Minister also pointed out government’s commitment towards working with communities like Nasalia village and how this commitment brings about new opportunities.
“In the recent Budget, we have increased funding to empower women so that in 2013, we are spending more than one million dollars on women’s projects”.
“The Nasalia Women’s Centre is a major investment in the future of our women. It is an opportunity for the people of Naitasiri to improve their lives and the lives of their children and I take great pleasure in being here today to launch it”.
Meanwhile the Prime Minister also thanked the assistance by the foreign governments of Indonesia and the People’s Republic of China in working with the Fijian government and local communities to empower women nationwide.
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