WOMEN market vendors have been urged to work with the Government in establishing new opportunities that could boost their businesses.
Opening the Market Vendors Association Forum in Sigatoka yesterday, Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran called on the vendors to implement innovative ideas in a market that was becoming increasingly competitive.
“Changing the game through entrepreneurship and empowerment is your theme for this forum and the discussions you’ll have will reflect on the realities of modern markets, increasing competition. Customer expectations are shifting, digital technologies are transforming how we buy and sell, and climate change continues to threaten our supply chains,” Ms Kiran said.
“To change the game, we have to equip ourselves with new skills and new opportunities.”
Ms Kiran said at the Namaka market, she was asked whether one could take digital and financial literacy workshops to take orders for fresh flowers and wreaths.
“There is an opportunity to do business in taking orders for fresh vegetables and fruits, especially processed and prepared for working women, if you are connected online and you are easily contactable.”
She said this was part of strengthening entrepreneurship.
Ms Kiran also acknowledged the UN Women’s Market for Change program, which has had a significant impact in developing and strengthening Fiji’s market vendor associations.
“We have seen women vendors open new bank accounts, and some of you have registered for mobile lending services and many have started proper financial records.
“These may seem like small steps, but together they represent a major shift towards economic empowerment and across the country, women hold precedence on how far our market vendor associations develop.”
