The government and faith-based partners joined forces this week to celebrate a milestone in women’s empowerment as 130 graduates received certificates after completing a five-day skills training program in Samabula. The program, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship using the Self-Reliance curriculum as a foundation before moving into hands-on skills development.
Participants were drawn from the Suva, Suva North, and Nausori areas, with sessions spanning up to 20 chapels and welcoming a mix of young single adults, single mothers, and women from welfare-supported families. The courses covered practical trades and services, including hairdressing, massage therapy, cake decorating, event planning, tapa printing, and early childhood education, equipping attendees with both business know-how and market-ready skills.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran attended the graduation, praising the dedication of the women and reiterating the government’s commitment to boosting women’s economic empowerment. “This is about giving women the tools to build their own future and the future of their families. You are shining examples of what can be achieved when knowledge meets opportunity,” he said. He also commended the LDS Church for extending the program beyond its faith community and highlighted the importance of combining technical skills with financial management to sustain opportunities over time.
Graduates left with a certificate of completion, marking a first step toward potential small business ventures, gainful employment, and greater self-reliance. The initiative is presented as a shared vision to empower women, strengthen communities, and build futures across Fiji.
Context and broader impact:
– This effort is part of a broader pattern of government and partner-led programs aimed at empowering women through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Earlier initiatives have included targeted training for vulnerable groups and welfare recipients, as well as programs supported by international partners to bolster women’s economic participation.
– Similar initiatives have involved collaboration among government ministries, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies to provide hands-on business skills, guidance on financial management, and awareness of available social welfare and support services.
Additional value and outlook:
– Programs like this not only help individual women gain skills but also have a ripple effect on families and communities by fostering financial resilience and potential local entrepreneurship.
– Looking ahead, expanding such training to more regions, providing post-graduation mentoring, and linking graduates with microfinance or small-loan opportunities could strengthen outcomes and sustain momentum.
– The partnership model—combining faith-based organizations with government leadership—illustrates a collaborative approach to social development that can be leveraged for broader community impact.
Overall, the graduation underscores a hopeful trajectory for women’s economic independence in Fiji, with communities poised to benefit from skilled, enterprising women who can turn training into sustainable livelihoods.
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