Minister for Women Sashi Kiran emphasized the importance of expanding market access for women in rural and remote communities, stating it is vital for economic growth and climate resilience. Her remarks came during the launch of the Pacific Women Entrepreneurs as Island Guardians (Pasifika WE-Guardians) Project in Nadi last week. The Minister underscored the government’s commitment to this initiative.
“We are working on a National Action Plan for Women’s Economic Empowerment,” Kiran outlined, indicating that the plan includes enhancing value chains, fostering digital inclusion, supporting ethical and sustainable branding, and collaborating with the private sector to facilitate the growth of women-led enterprises.
Participants had the opportunity to visit South Sea Orchids, witnessing firsthand how small, targeted investments from the Innovation Fund can create meaningful change. Kiran highlighted how these initiatives aim to support climate-resilient production, minimize losses, and enhance women’s engagement throughout value chains.
She also expressed appreciation for the regional unity exemplified by the project, stating, “Fiji, Samoa, and Tuvalu share common challenges, but also shared strengths.” She believes that by collaborating, they can amplify the voices of Pacific women, promote knowledge exchange, and showcase effective, scalable solutions that are women-centered and led within the Pacific region.
Kiran emphasized the need to ensure that rural women, women with disabilities, young women, and those from marginalized backgrounds are not overlooked in these efforts. She reiterated that climate action must be inclusive, culturally respectful, and intergenerational if it is to drive genuine transformation.
The Pacific Women Entrepreneurs as Island Guardiansinitiative is a substantial undertaking, with an investment of $12.7 million from Global Affairs Canada, and is being implemented by Alinea International in partnership with women-led enterprises in Fiji, Samoa, and Tuvalu. This collaborative effort seeks to empower women, promoting resilience and growth across the region, and stands as a promising step towards a more equitable future for all women in the Pacific.