WOMEN vendors in Suva marked a significant milestone yesterday with the groundbreaking of the Suva Market Inspiring Women Cooperative Limited, signalling a boost for women-led enterprise in municipal markets.
Officiating at the ceremony, Minister for Local Government and Housing Maciu Nalumisa highlighted the importance of the initiative in empowering women economically.
“It is indeed an honour to officiate at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Suva Market Inspiring Women Cooperative Limited,” he said.
“This occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter of empowerment, resilience, and opportunity for women entrepreneurs in our municipal market spaces.”
Mr Nalumisa said the milestone reflected the unity and determination of women working together to strengthen their businesses and uplift their families.
“Today’s milestone reflects the determination and unity of women who have come together with a shared vision, to strengthen their businesses, uplift their families, and contribute meaningfully to the development of our communities.”
He said Government remained committed to supporting women through cooperative initiatives, noting a rise in female participation in the sector in recent years.
Municipal markets, he added, played a critical role in local economies, particularly for women vendors.
“This groundbreaking therefore represents our continued commitment to creating safer, more inclusive, and enabling environments within our municipal markets.”
The cooperative is expected to enhance access to resources, improve business capacity and serve as a model for women-led development across Fiji.
