As the world celebrates International Day of Rural Women, the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) in Fiji stands in solidarity, recognizing the indispensable roles that rural women play in community resilience and economic advancement. Under the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, WEBC emphasizes the need to elevate the contributions of women, particularly those in rural areas, who continually navigate significant challenges while enriching their communities.
In Fiji, women disproportionately shoulder the burden of unpaid care and household responsibilities compared to their male counterparts, hampering their engagement in the formal job market. Notably, an estimated 75 to 90 percent of micro vendors in the country are women, predominantly from rural and island backgrounds. These women often work relentlessly in informal economies, facing considerable barriers including high transport costs, limited market access, and insufficient financial resources. Despite these obstacles, they form the backbone of Fiji’s economy.
The WEBC has set forth a comprehensive 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, dubbed “Women Entrepreneurs Invigorating the Nation,” aimed at creating supportive environments for female entrepreneurs across various sectors, including both formal and informal markets. A key initiative, “Bridging the Gap,” seeks to empower women not already involved with the council by providing pivotal skills in financial literacy and business management, especially within rural and maritime communities.
Recently, the council expanded its reach to the island of Beqa, where approximately 70 women from five villages participated in a two-day training program focused on empowerment and skills development. This program offered sessions on financial literacy, business fundamentals, and goal setting, paired with a crucial Talanoa session on trauma-informed care and business decision-making. This inclusive approach helped women share their personal challenges in a secure environment, fostering valuable discussions about resilience and confidence.
The second day of the workshop concentrated on social entrepreneurship and innovative upcycling techniques, encouraging participants to transform their creative skills into profitable ventures through sustainable business concepts such as flower arrangements and event decorations.
The outreach initiative received support from Women’s Fund Fiji and included a charitable giveaway from Value City, which donated 10 boxes of books to the Sawau District School in Dakuibeqa. This donation bolsters the school’s newly renovated library and fosters a love of learning among its young students.
Fiona Dansey, WEBC coordinator, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating, “Rural women are at the heart of community resilience and economic progress. By empowering one woman in a village, we uplift entire communities.”
As we observe International Day of Rural Women, WEBC rejoices in the creativity, courage, and commitment of rural women dedicated to sustainable livelihoods and community development. Their resilience serves as a powerful reminder that empowering rural women transcends mere inclusion; it catalyzes the transformation of communities and strengthens the nation as a whole.