Canada strengthens support for women entrepreneurs

Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and women-led initiatives in Fiji with the launch of new development programmes and high-level engagements during an official visit this week.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran welcomed Canadian High Commissioner to Fiji Jennifer Lalonde and Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai at Nadi International Airport on Wednesday.

Sarai is visiting Fiji for the first time on a three-day trip that includes field visits in Nadi, Sigatoka and Suva, tours of Canadian-funded projects, and meetings with senior government officials, development partners and other stakeholders.

During the visit, Sarai announced the Pacific Women Entrepreneurs as Island Guardians Project (2024–2028), which will be implemented in Fiji, Samoa and Tuvalu.

Plans are also underway to officially open Canada’s High Commission in Suva later this week.

As part of his programme, Sarai will officially launch the Women POWER Project, a new Canada-funded initiative implemented by Oxfam in the Pacific. The launch is scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2pm at the Fiji Museum in Suva.

The project aims to promote women’s economic empowerment in the Pacific, particularly as communities face increasing impacts from climate change.

Senior officials from the Government of Canada, Oxfam, and relevant Fiji Government ministries, along with development partners and key stakeholders, are expected to attend the launch.

Minister Kiran said Canada’s continued support would create opportunities for women to lead in business and environmental stewardship.

“Partnerships like these help empower women to drive sustainable change in their communities,” she said.

The launch of the Women POWER Project marks a significant step in Canada’s ongoing commitment to civil society and women-led development initiatives in the Pacific region.