One hundred women artisans from Rakiraki to Sigatoka have successfully completed a transformative three-day training program focused on Product Development and Product Specification. This initiative has empowered these women with essential skills to turn their crafts into sustainable income sources.
The training, organized by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with Business Assistance Fiji, the Fiji Arts Council, and the Fiji Craft Society, provided hands-on sessions in financial literacy, budgeting, pricing, record keeping, and sustainable business planning. These competencies are crucial for advancing from small-scale production to a more structured enterprise, fostering long-term financial stability for the participants.
Participants hailing from diverse regions including Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, and Sigatoka have been encouraged to expand their horizons beyond local markets. The Fiji Arts Council and the Fiji Craft Society emphasized the importance of branding, quality control, and certification pathways such as Fijian Crafted and Fijian Sewn. They reiterated the significance of protecting indigenous knowledge and preserving authenticity, highlighting that each crafted product embodies cultural heritage and identity.
This training not only enhances the artisans’ skills but also establishes a foundation for sustainable economic growth and community empowerment. By equipping these women with the necessary tools and knowledge, the program aims to uplift their entrepreneurial ventures and expand their market reach, fostering a vibrant artisan community in Fiji.
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