The Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiusa Tubuna, emphasized the urgency of tackling gender inequalities faced by women in rural areas, highlighting the challenging circumstances these women endure.
During the launch of the “Joint Program Accelerating Progress Towards Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment” (JP RWEE), Tubuna noted that the initiative focuses on communities in the tikina of Magodro in Ba Province, as well as the tikina of Namataku, Nasikawa, Noikoro, and Navatusila in Nadroga/Navosa Province.
He described the event as a reflection of a transformative Fiji, stating, “We have Indo-Fijian ladies teaching iTaukei women how to plant pigeon peas and bongo chilies.”
The minister announced that the program aims to assist 2,000 women from 30 communities in the targeted regions. Key aspects of the initiative include the establishment of community nurseries, land preparation for 500 vulnerable women, and training in food processing, value addition, and preservation. The program also intends to provide farming equipment and technical training for 200 rural women farmers.
“We envision a new Fiji where different races collaborate harmoniously for the benefit of all,” he added.