Over 30 women from the Soqosoqo Vakamarama ni Yasana o Kadavu are set to benefit from a two-day capacity-building program aimed at enhancing women’s empowerment, leadership, and communication skills. The initiative was launched at the GCC lounge in Suva yesterday, marking a significant step toward supporting women leaders from the nine districts of Kadavu.
Salote Nawalowalo, the president of Soqosoqo Vakamarama ni Yasana o Kadavu, emphasized the challenges women often face in leadership positions, mentioning that their decisions are frequently overlooked, leading to decreased confidence in contributing ideas and making decisions. She also noted that ineffective communication between leaders and group members at the tikina level has hindered productivity, with many crucial decisions failing to reach the broader membership due to poor communication practices.
The decision to undertake this training program was made during their last annual general meeting, as it was observed that some women had become disengaged in their roles. Nawalowalo pointed out that the last similar program took place in 2017, and since then, many participants have unfortunately passed away.
In her remarks, Nawalowalo encouraged women to unite, create supportive environments, and foster open discussions despite any negativity they may face. “Women constitute half of the population. It’s important to extend a helping hand to men and to support one another,” she stated, calling for a collaborative spirit rather than competition among women.
She urged all Soqosoqo Vakamarama groups across the nation to take advantage of available funding to participate in training programs, reinforcing the notion that by uplifting each other, women can make meaningful progress.
This capacity-building initiative not only aims to empower the women involved but also encourages a culture of collaboration and support, which can lead to a more effective leadership landscape.
In summary, the program represents a hopeful step towards fostering leadership skills among women in Kadavu, enhancing communication, and building a robust network of empowered female leaders who can effectively contribute to their communities. This positive approach towards self-improvement and mutual support highlights the significant role women play in the societal framework and their potential to influence change.
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