“Women are indispensable in our journey of national development, and we must continue to provide equal access to education, health and other fundamental rights and freedoms to our women”.
These were the words of the Honourable Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Lynda Tabuya as she officiated at the graduation ceremony of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Program – Class of 2022, held at the United States Embassy yesterday (13.01.23).
At the outset, she acknowledged and thanked the U.S. Embassy for their continued support in facilitating training which empowers our Fijian mothers and sisters to learn new skills and upgrade their existing ones.
Hon. Tabuya further commended the Embassy for conducting inclusive training for new and seasoned entrepreneurs of all ages and walks of life. She stated that Government will continue to strive to encourage and empower women as the agents of growth and development.
Whilst quoting from the 2017 Fiji Census, she stated that women make up around 49.3% of the total population, and training opportunities as such will lead to improved human development outcomes for our women who hold up half the sky. She further elaborated that “women entrepreneurs can create opportunities for their families to break the cycle of poverty and create an enabling environment for economic growth”.
“As your new incoming Government, we will respect and recognise the importance of every women and girls in our national development and no one should be deprived of their right to live their life to their fullest potential and contribute to the trajectory of our national development”, added Hon. Tabuya.
She further went on to affirm the work of the Ministry on the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls, with the main aim of helping eradicate the scourge of domestic violence.”
In her closing remarks, she challenged and encouraged more women to take such opportunities to attend trainings like those offered by the U.S. Embassy because we all recognise the enormous contribution an empowered woman can make.
The minister congratulated all the graduates and wished them best as they continue their journey as woman entrepreneurs.
