“Empowered women entrepreneurs can break the cycle of poverty and create an enabling environment for inclusive economic growth.”

These were the words of the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Tabuya as she officiated at the graduation ceremony of the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Center yesterday (01/02/2023).

At the outset, she acknowledged the Fiji Muslim League for continuously supporting the facilitation of trainings for our Women in Fiji. “I congratulate and commend you for having the vision to start the Makoi Women’s Vocations Training Center in 2015 with the aim of offering free courses to women from all walks of life” said Tabuya.

The training center since its establishment has graduated a total of 1565 women, and is a testament of its commitment to continuously support the women of our beloved country.

Chairman for the Makoi Women’s Training Center, Bashir Ahmed thanked Government for their continuous support and looked forward to working closely with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation in the empowerment of our women.

Ahmed noted that “the future looks bright for the training center with the timely assistance of various sewing equipment’s provided by the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) amounting to FJD$120,000, and the donation of $50,000 (USD) made by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to fund the Rocket Stove Program.

Hon. Tabuya stated that “Government will continue work towards implementing inclusive and innovative policies and programs for the development of women entrepreneurship in Fiji”. She further elaborated that “as a Government we will respect and recognise the importance of every woman and girl in our national development”.

Although it’s still work in progress, Hon. Tabuya went on to affirm that the Ministry is finalising the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls, with the main aim of helping eradicate the scourge of domestic violence.”

In her closing remarks, Hon. Tabuya challenged and encouraged more Fijian women to take such opportunities to attend trainings like those offered by the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Center because we all recognise the enormous contribution an empowered woman can make.

Hon. Tabuya congratulated all the graduants and wished them the best for the future.

The Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Center graduated a total of 53 participants in Fashion and Design (15 graduates), Culinary Course (17 graduates) and Caregiving (21 graduates).