EQUAL participation from members of any rural community is vital for a successful village business.
Rise Beyond the Reef co-founder Semi Lotawa said women and youth participation was crucial if the private sector sought to create lasting investments with those in rural communities.
Mr Lotawa voiced the collective views shared by his group during a workshop on community engagement validation held yesterday at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.
“Participation of women and youths in the community is not a given,” he said.
“Not a given in the sense that there should be full participation from these groups in decision making.
“When we approach communities, a lot of the times women are in the kitchen cooking for people who are coming for workshops and youths are pounding the kava.”
He said ensuring that women and youths are part of decision making, businesses are taking that step in understanding all who encompass rural community stakeholders.
“At Rise Beyond the Reef this is something we have always emphasised from the beginning to where we are now.
“While we consult with the bose vanua, we created a development committee that ensures equal representation from all stakeholders.”
Rise Beyond the Reef is a non-profit organisation designed to assist women in rural communities in the South Pacific.
The women make artefacts that are sold to tourists and also facilitate the sharing of traditional knowledge.
