First Lady Officiates at the 5th National Women's Expo.
June 12, 2019
The 5th National Women’s Expo 2019 was opened by First Lady, Madam Sarote Konrote at the FMF Gymnasium on Juene 12, 2019.
Madam First Lady Mrs.Sarote Konrote shares a light moment with The Honourable Mereseini Vuniwaqa Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the participants at the Fiji Women’s Expo.(Source: DINFO)
Speaking at the 3 day event and addressing 500 participants from Fiji’s 4 divisions, Madam Konrote shared that the annual event is a great example of innovative intervention in terms of the economic empowerment for rural Fijian women artisans.
The First Lady commended the efforts and contribution of the Late Honourable Dr. Jiko Luveni as she in her tenure as Minister for Women and Social Welfare (at the time) initiated the first ever National Women’s Expo in an effort to offer Fijian women a platform to sell their handiwork and network with other rural business women to encourage more enterprising discussions amongst women to foster more economic growth and economic activity in the community and the country.
“The National Women’s Expo is a great example of an innovative intervention in terms of the economic empowerment of rural Fijian women artisans - now being the signature event and one of the key platforms for women’s economic empowerment in Fiji. Fiji has set its trade icon in various marketing platforms with our global partners, with the primary goal of promoting Fijian- Made Products.”
She further added, “You have proven that your hands craft the best of all artistic products in our country and that you are highly capable of taking your knowledge and skills to a higher, more competitive level. It is this passion and drive that will continue to be your number one tool in trailblazing to the next level in every aspect of economic participation. You are setting examples for other women as well who may not have realized their potential and I urge you to support each other and always maintain a sisterhood in your journey to progress”
The First Lady handed out certificates to five [5] exhibitors who also received $1,000.00 each from the Ministry of Women, Child and Poverty Alleviation (MWCPA).