A new capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering women has been introduced by the Soqosoqo Vakamarama ni Yasana o Kadavu, with over 30 women set to benefit from this program focused on effective leadership and communication skills. The program was launched at the GCC lounge in Suva.
President of Soqosoqo Vakamarama ni Yasana o Kadavu, Salote Nawalowalo, highlighted that the two-day training event aims to equip women leaders from the nine districts of Kadavu. Ms. Nawalowalo noted that many women face hurdles in their leadership roles, often leading to a loss of confidence in decision-making. She pointed out that this can result in women becoming reticent and hesitant to voice their ideas and concerns.
Poor communication at the tikina-level has been identified as a significant barrier to productivity within the group. Ms. Nawalowalo emphasized that decisions made in meetings often fail to reach members due to inadequate communication from leaders.
The decision to implement this training program was reached during their last annual general meeting (AGM), reflecting a need for rejuvenated engagement among women leaders. The last similar initiative occurred in 2017, and many of the participants have since passed away.
Ms. Nawalowalo called for a unified stance among women to create an empowering environment, advocating for mutual support in overcoming societal negativity. “Women make up half of the population,” she stated, encouraging collaboration and support for men as well.
She urged women to step outside their comfort zones and foster a culture of positivity, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the good in one another instead of focusing on faults. Additionally, Ms. Nawalowalo encouraged all Soqosoqo Vakamarama groups nationwide to take advantage of available funding to participate in training programs.
This empowering initiative not only seeks to enhance leadership skills among women but also promotes a sense of community and support that can transform lives. By fostering open communication and partnerships, women can collectively work towards overcoming the barriers that limit their potential.
In summary, the program represents a significant step towards bolstering the role of women in leadership, addressing communication challenges, and inspiring a culture of empowerment and solidarity. It’s a hopeful endeavor that acknowledges the challenges faced by women while actively working to create solutions that promote growth and confidence.
Leave a comment