More than $382,000 in sales were generated at last year’s National Women’s Expo, and this year’s event is expected to go a step further by connecting 400 women entrepreneurs with potential investors, funding opportunities and major commercial buyers.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran told Parliament the 8th Fiji National Women’s Expo would introduce business pitch sessions and business-to-business matchmaking to help women secure funding and long-term commercial contracts.
The three-day event will be held at the Vodafone Arena from November 17 to 19 under the theme “Her Voice, Her Power, Her Future”.
Ms Kiran said eight selected women entrepreneurs, two representing each of Fiji’s four divisions, would have the opportunity to pitch their business expansion proposals to government agencies, statutory bodies and financial institutions.
The Expo would also bring women artisans face-to-face with retail buyers, hotel procurement managers, corporate partners and non-governmental organisations.
“This is bringing sustainable commercial contracts directly to our women entrepreneurs,” she said.
She said the ministry recorded approximately $314,000 in sales during the 2023 Expo and a major increase last year.
Ms Kiran said 400 women artisans had received training in product development, marketing, branding, design and business management during the 2025-2026 financial year.
Participants will include women from rural, remote and maritime communities, including Beqa, Vatulele, Yasawa, Rabi and Kioa.
Ms Kiran said the ministry was also working towards establishing an emporium where women’s products could be sold throughout the year, allowing them to generate income beyond the annual exhibition.
