Women entrepreneurs in Fiji are often undervaluing their own work and selling products too cheaply, according to Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran.
Speaking at a workshop for women artisans in Labasa last week, Ms Kiran said many women underestimated the true value of the crafts they produced.
“Women often undersell themselves,” she said.
“We apologise for our products and say, ‘It’s just a small thing’ or ‘I’m not sure if it’s good enough’.”
She said when pricing handmade crafts, women needed to consider the full cost of production, including labour, materials and transport.
“When you make a mat or a craft item, you must count the hours spent preparing materials, weaving, travelling and selling.
“Many women sell their products cheaply and then spend all the income without reinvesting in their business.”
She said financial literacy training was essential to help women build sustainable enterprises.
Participants at the workshop received training in quality control, product sizing, costing, pricing, branding and packaging.
She said presentation also played a major role in the value of a product.
“Sometimes a simple product can sell for a high price because it is packaged well and branded properly.”
She said Fiji’s cultural identity also added value to products made locally.
“When we sell something under the name ‘Brand Fiji’, we must ensure it represents quality.”
She encouraged women to tell the stories behind their crafts to strengthen their market appeal.
“Each village has its own designs and heritage. When you share those stories with your products, it makes them even more special.”
She said the Government hoped to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs through the National Action Plan for Women’s Economic Empowerment.
