Social protection reforms are essential for alleviating poverty, says permanent secretary for Women, Children and Social Protection Eseta Nadakuitavuki.
Opening the Fiji Standards Operating Procedures Workshop in Nadi last week, Ms Nadakuitavuki said the reforms were vital to address inequalities and the enhancement of the wellbeing of vulnerable populations.
“Let us prioritise the needs of the vulnerable we serve and work to build a sustainable and transformative social protection system that benefits our clientele,” said Ms Nadakuitavuki.
She said there was a need to review and align social protection programs standard operating procedures to best practices.
Ms Nadakuitavuki said the ministry’s social protection programs were the cornerstone of their commitment to equality, compassion and the pursuit of a just society.
The workshop was facilitated by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through their Partnerships for Social Protection program with the objective of strengthening the national social protection system.
Ms Nadakuitavuki acknowledged the support of the Australian High Commission, saying the ministry appreciated and valued the tireless support received through DFAT in the specific area of social protection programs administered by the Government
. She also reminded participants they were not just policymakers and implementers of the programs but were neighbours, friends and advocates for the vulnerable.
