Women from around the country who took part in last week’s National Women’s Expo have praised the various training skills made available during the three-day event in Suva.
Participating in the expo for the first time, Suman Lata, said the expo allowed her to network and learn financial skills.
“I represent the Senitoa Mother’s Club from Labasa where most of the women in my club are domestic workers and events like the expo challenges them to develop their skills to become financially independent,” she said.
“The financial literacy workshops provided during the Expo has been an eye opener for the rural women. We have learned the skills of drawing a business plan, opening a saving account and planning for the future.”
She almost earned $800 from her pillow cases, shirts and dress sales.
Six hundred women took part in the expo and were sponsored by the ministry in terms of their transportation, accommodation and meals.
Sera Waqasaqa from Gau thanked the Fijian Government for recognising the potentials women from maritime areas have.
The women from Gau raised almost $3000 from the expo.
“This is the biggest income we have earned in such a short period of time and we sincerely thank the Government for its commitment to ensure that women in maritime areas are recognised as well,” Mrs Waqasaqa said.
“The Expo is also a reminder to the women that they need to appreciate and preserve their traditional art and skills.”