Representatives from the Miss Fiji Pageant were special guests at a recent event hosted by the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC), where they learned about the triumphs and challenges faced by women in business.
Opening the event, WEBC chair Jyoti Maharaj welcomed the pageant officials and contestants, commending their leadership and encouraging them to stand proud as daughters of Fiji.
Ms Maharaj highlighted the importance of financial independence for women, emphasising that it is not just about earning an income, but about having choices and the ability to shape one’s own future.
Attendees heard from Malisha Chand, a WEBC member and managing director of Pioneer Education Fiji, who recounted her journey of starting a business with her siblings after years of family struggle.
Ms Chand described the initial difficulties, including a lack of students and funding, but also the turning point when they began offering inclusive education for children with special needs.
Eight years on, Pioneer Education Fiji now serves 145 students, 43 of whom have special needs.
Ms Chand credited her success to perseverance, further education and a dedicated team.
WEBC vice chair Patricia Naisara spoke about the council’s mission to support women at all stages of business, from informal ventures to formal enterprises, and the importance of building networks among women entrepreneurs.
Miss Tavua, 19-year-old Sera Kiawe, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying hearing the stories of women in business was truly inspiring.
“It motivates me to work towards uplifting young women in society,” she said.
WEBC is one of the nine councils under the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF).
WEBC chair Jyoti Maharaj, seated left, with representatives from the Miss Fiji Pageant at the recent event hosted by WEBC, where the young women learned about the triumphs and challenges faced by women in business. Picture: MEREANI VOLAU
