It is time to recognise the potential of women as breadwinners and income earners too, says Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Minister Rosy Akbar.
A statement issued by the minister read that women contributed in a multitude of ways “through different livelihoods and strategies, to lifting their families and communities out of poverty”.
“They work as unpaid care workers, on-farm and non-farm labourers, as wage labourers for others in agriculture and agro-industry; as entrepreneurs, traders, and providers of services; as leaders; and as caretakers of children and the elderly,” Ms Akbar said in the statement.
“Fijian women have the potential, however to be successful and grow in the economic sector they have limitation due to multiple and diverse constraints of persistent structural gender disparities that also prevent them from enjoying their rights to economic participation.”
She said women were already equipped with the natural talents, skills and knowledge to operate entrepreneurial activities and own income generating projects.
“Sadly many of our women are neither given the opportunity to contribute towards the financial wellbeing of the family nor are they allowed to make decisions for their households.
“It is time to walk away from such practices and realise the potential of women as breadwinners, income-earners and appreciating their vital role to nation building and as agents of change as well.”
Ms Akbar said that her ministry would continue to support the advancement of gender equality though women’s economic empowerment program in Fiji.
