The women of the Nadroga-Navosa province were yesterday encouraged to capitalise on platforms of art and crafts for hotels and nearby resorts.

The Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Josefa Koroivueta, said the ministry was doing its best to generate avenues for the women to alleviate their means of income generating from one level to another.

Dr Koroivueta made his comment during the official opening of the Nadroga-Navosa Provincial Craft Show at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.

He said more importantly, it was ideal to link their work with other tourist attractions – not only at domestic avenues, but at international platforms as well.

“We are not only making monetary investments in occasions as such, but also engaging in partnerships with relevant stakeholders to help you women make a mark in the craft industry – not only within our shores, but looking beyond the Pacific and international borders.

“Women are the significant agents of change in our families and communities. It is your hard work and commitment that builds the strong foundation for the future of your families and a nation as a whole,” he said.

He added that the ministry continued to persevere in its efforts to reach out to women, children and families to provide the much needed support.

“To witness the potentials and talents that our mothers, sisters and grandmothers have displayed, significantly, on product development, quality and ensuring that they are market-driven,” Dr Koroivueta said.

He thanked their partners, the Fiji Arts Council who worked with the ministry’s divisional teams in order to achieve what was expected of the 13 Provincial Craft Shows undertaken throughout the four divisions.

“Your participation in today’s event is crucial and determines your progress and stability as entrepreneurs in your respective households and communities.

“The event marks the sixth provincial craft show for the year and the ministry is very impressed at the outcomes and progress made by the women since the past two years of hosting the National Women’s Expo.

“We envisaged an increase of rural women provided the opportunity to obtain the ‘Fijian-Made’ emblem and its licensing, upon meeting its requirements which is administered by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.”

He added the outcome of the Provincial Craft Show, is the qualifiers towards this year’s National Women Expo from June 14 to 16.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj