Women of the North can raise their concerns with the Minister of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, when she visits the Friendly North today.

The Minister will open the Rural Women’s Day celebrations, organised by UN Women in partnership with the Ministry of Women.

The ministry’s media liaison officer, Anshoo Chandra, said this was a quest to increase its outreach to the public.

“The ministry has embarked on a new initiative and has organised its first public consultations in the Northern Division and the consultation is open to everyone,” Ms Chandra said.

“The idea of holding public consultations has been mooted by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.”

Consultations will be held at the Civic Centre in Labasa and chaired by Mrs Akbar.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr Josefa Koroivueta, and director social welfare Rupeni Fatiaki, will also be present at the consultations to offer advice and assistance.

“The consultation aims to provide first-hand information to the public on the Ministry’s programmes, in particular the social welfare programmes,” Ms Chandra said.

“It will provide an opportunity for the general public to meet personally with the Honourable Minister and access information or assistance regarding the Government’s programmes focused on empowerment of women and children.”

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