Join Women’s Expo, Sabha Group Urged

Assistant Minister Bhatnagar celebrates International Women’s Day in Samabula.

Women of the Sanatan Dharm Nari Sabha have been encouraged to as­sociate themselves and be part of the annual National Women’s Expo.

The Assistant Minister for Wom­en, Children and Poverty Allevia­tion, Veena Bhatnagar, said they needed to be “more innovative”.

While celebrating International Women’s Day yesterday, she said: “Last expo I noticed very limited participation by Indo-Fijian wom­en.

“The return of such investment is always rewarding, provides in­centives and importantly, connects women to the market, domestical­ly, regionally and globally.

“So make the most of it, invest in your talents.”

Ms Bhatnagar emphasised that the expo was a platform where women could learn from each oth­er, especially about other cultures.

Speaking to over 50 women and children at the Sanatan Shiv Man­dir Hall in Samabula, Suva, Ms Bhatnagar highlighted how impor­tant it was to realise their worth, capacity, capability and value for empowerment towards success.

“Empowering women is giving women the ability to capitalize in other fields of development,” she said.

“It is really nice that we have a special day for women where they are glorified to a point of being honoured, awarded and appreci­ated.

“When women are not paid well, fifty per cent of the population is not paid well.

“When women are disrespected, humiliated or exploited, a major chunk of the world population is disrespected, humiliated or ex­ploited.”

She encouraged the women to continue supporting and help­ing each other to achieve greater things in life.

“Don’t we all want every daugh­ter in Fiji to grow up in a country where she can believe in herself and her future,” she asked.

“We are so fortunate to be living in a country where our Constitu­tion gives equal rights to every in­dividual.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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