A total of 131 women have participated in the Seasonal Workers Programme (SWP) in New-Zealand and Australia since 2015.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate gave the figure in response to questions raised by Government MP Ruveni Nadalo. He said  “since 2015, from a total deployment number of 1395 workers, 131 women have participated.”

Mr Usamate said these women were mostly deployed under the Hospitality and Accommodation Sectors and packaging houses where females were required under the horticulture industry.

He said the ministry had also started with its planning to increase employment opportunities for women under the seasonal employment to strengthen their participation.

“This is through marketing and networking with potential employers, corresponding with employers regarding emerging women opportunities.

“Also through strengthening women projects in labour mobility and more training and assessment to increase women employability.”

Mr Usamate said the ministry would be in New Zealand next week to formulate a women’s strategy for the overall seasonal scheme.

“The Fijian economy is largely agriculture-based where women play a significant role and investing in women’s economic participation is a smart thing to do.”

He cited a good example of a returning seasonal woman worker was Avosake Rabo.

She made a difference in her family and community as a result of her participation under the seasonal work programme.

He told the Parliament that Ms Rabo returned from Australia after participating under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and her hard earned income was remitted and utilised to start up her Duruka farming in Naimasimasi, Tailevu.

“The start-up included paying villagers to plant and look after the duruka farm,” Mr Usamate said. “She was able to multiply the impact of investment and made a difference in her family and community.”

Edited by Percy Kean     

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