Indo Fijians traditions intact because of the support and protection in the 2013 Constitution.

The Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Veena Bhatnagar made the comment yesterday at the LokGeet competition at Gyan Mandir in Samabula.

“The Fijian Government has made it even easier for us, making us accepted constitutionally as Fijians, yet with the liberty to practise our respective religions and cultures without hindering our identity,” Ms Bhatnagar said.

The LokGeet competition was organised by the Shrest Mothers’ Club which saw two young girls namely Shelin Kumar from Sigatoka and Sunaina Karan from Suva take part in the competition.

She thanked the mother’s club for playing a significant role in organising such events, especially the folk singing, which was enjoyed by over 300 people present.

She also encouraged women to educate themselves and make the most of the opportunities that the current FijiFirst Government was offering.

“Education is the key to women empowerment.

“She will have employable skills if she is educated and employment will lead her to financial independence,” Ms Bhatnagar said.

“The Fijian Government has created equal opportunities for women in education, employment, entrepreneurship and other training.”

She said her ministry was also ensuring that women had access to economic opportunities, with funding of income generating projects.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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