Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Sakiusa Tubuna has noted the importance of addressing gender disparities in rural areas, saying the reality for rural women is harsh.
Buoyed by the launch of the “Joint program accelerating progress towards rural women’s economic empowerment” (JP RWEE), Mr Tubuna said the program targeted villagers in the tikina of Magodro in Ba Province and the tikina of Namataku, Nasikawa, Noikoro and Navatusila in the Nadroga/Navosa Province.
Mr Tubuna said the event was a microcosm of a new Fiji.
“We have Indo-Fijian ladies teaching iTaukei women how to plant pigeon peas and bongo chilies,” he said.
The minister said the program was targeted at supporting 2000 women from 30 communities across these areas.
He said key components of the program included the construction of community nurseries, land preparation for 500 vulnerable women and training in food processing, value-adding and preservation. Additionally, it will provide farming equipment and technical training for 200 rural women farmers.
“We want to see a new Fiji where races work with each other with a unity of purpose for the common good of all.”
