Ratu Sukuna Park was a hive of activity yesterday as entrepreneurs, civil servants and civil organisations came together to showcase some of their products and services at the “Open Market Day” an initiative by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations and supported by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.
The event’s theme was “Creating Income Generating Opportunities through Collaboration”.
Minister for Women Mereseini Vuniwaqa said the theme was a relevant and timely one.
“In fact, it was anticipated that the impact of the COVID-19 crisis is likely to change how corporations, governments and societies work together — and also change the approach taken by various sectors to meet the needs of the society at this time of crisis,” she said.
“The theme is also linked to the National Employment Policy (NEP) 2018, Policy Priority No. 6 in highlighting the need to create more income generating opportunities for those reliant on subsistence activities for their livelihoods.”
The event was initiated to provide a platform for unemployed Fijians and existing entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products to benefit their families or community; and promote more importantly create new networks.
Mrs Vuniwaqa added that economic empowerment of women was a critical cornerstone to Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
“Those days are gone when women in Fiji remained confined to the four walls of their homes and their immense strength and potential remained unrecognised and unaccounted for.
“Now, they are increasingly participating in all spheres of life, and I must say it is a wonderful way to progress as a people, and as a nation.”
