Women of Kioa were encouraged to work together and in tandem with the community to ensure the sustainability of their projects.

This was highlighted yesterday by Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa to the Kioa Women’s Group during her visit to Kioa Island, in the Northern Division, yesterday.

Ms Vuniwaqa said income generating projects through the women’s groups were a key tool in the financing of community projects, as evident in the two villages on the island.

Among the core roles of the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is to empower the lives of women in rural and maritime areas.

Ms Vuniwaqa also took the opportunity to see firsthand the group’s handicraft work and the resting room, which was built through funding from her ministry in 2012.

“The overall goal of the Department of Women is to motivate and develop the confidence of women so that they can live their lives to the fullest,” Ms Viniwaqa said.

“It is also there to encourage them to work within their communities with the aim of enhancing their livelihoods and their communities.

“Women play a key role in development and an economically empowered woman means a better livelihood for her family and her community as a whole.

Kioa Women’s Group president Grittel Luisi acknowledged the minister for her visit.

“We are thankful for the sewing machines, the visit has also enlightened the women on ways they can further improve on their economic empowerment,” Mrs Luisi said.

“And how that relates to enhanced community livelihoods and ways the ministry can assist villagers.

“We really appreciate her presence. The machines given by Government has generated employment for the women, especially to sew and sell school uniforms and ‘sulu and jaba’ for villagers.

“We are hoping for regular visits and our group will continue to work closely with the ministry to develop our knowledge on women’s leadership and income generating projects,” she added.

Mrs Vuniwaqa also had discussions with the villagers about the challenges they faced and ways in which the ministry and Government ccould assist the villages.

Edited by Percy Kean.

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