President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere recently addressed the 14th South Pacific Business Development Foundation Day and the Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024 at the Vodafone Arena, highlighting the significant role of women in Fiji’s micro, small, and medium enterprise sectors. He announced that there are currently 5,500 registered women entrepreneurs actively participating in these ventures, alongside 18,742 self-employed women and 4,650 women engaged in handicrafts.
Elena Tinai from Saru Centre in Lautoka was awarded this year’s SPBD Businesswoman of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the community. The President emphasized the holistic approach of women-led enterprises, which often focus on creating sustainable livelihoods and addressing social challenges while nurturing future generations.
Furthermore, Ratu Wiliame pointed out that women-led businesses constitute approximately 82 percent of registered businesses in Fiji. With over 30,000 registered micro, small, and medium enterprises, this sector is regarded as a vital component of the economy, driving growth and innovation, particularly in rural areas.