“KOICA's commitment to improving livelihoods in Fiji and around the world is positively impacting communities and individuals and today’s handing over is testament of that,” stated Permanent Secretary Eseta Nadakuitavuki to Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Country Director Mr. Kapchae Ra, whilst receiving income generation assets and equipment donated by KOICA earlier today.
The Permanent Secretary expressed the Ministry’s appreciation of the tremendous support received from Korean International Cooperation Agency, stating that the remarkable partnership between Korea International Cooperation Agency, KOICA, and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection will greatly benefit women's groups from across the four divisions in Fiji.
PS Nadakuitavuki shared that many Fijian women are still unable to achieve true economic empowerment because of social, religious and cultural norms that dictate women’s participation in the economy, limiting resource inheritance and ownership, financial autonomy and independence.
She commended the support of the Agency, further stating that external support in the form of assets and equipment, will not only empower women’s groups paving the way towards ensuring sustainable economic development, that will not only benefit the women but will also benefit their families and communities as a whole.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged the 5 women’s groups, who will benefit from this initiative, to actively engage in capacity building sessions which share good practices and innovative business ideas. Challenging the women to refrain from seeing similar business ventures as competition while also stressing the importance of upholding business ethics. Five women’s groups from across the four Divisions will receive the assets and equipment received from the Korean International Cooperation Agency.