Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Dr Jiko Luveni hands out the MOU to Westpac’s General Manager Adrian Hughes.
Women micro entrepreneurs will now benefit from the Financial Literacy training program facilitated by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation.
The Ministry today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Westpac Banking Corporation to help women micro-entrepreneurs gain financial education and business skills
Minister Dr Jiko Luveni said the Ministry is working with banks to boost its financial inclusion programmes.
“We really need to have a close working relationship with Westpac given that it is the bank for social welfare recipients,” Dr Luveni said.
“This MOU being signed today is another step that will enhance this partnership.”
Dr Luveni said the Ministry has already provided eight such training to communities in Ba, Tailevu, Ra and Ovalau and will continue to target other areas.
Westpac Banking Corporation general manager, Adrian Hughes highlighted that this partnership will hold free financial literacy programs for women to help them understand about their finances, how to budget and the importance of saving.
“This partnership aims to help women micro-entrepreneurs gain financial education and business skills to understand the concept and make use of business expansion via micro–finance options,” Mr Hughes said.
“We provide these programs not only in urban areas but also to rural and maritime zones and conduct trainings for the women on leadership and entrepreneurship.”
The program will provide women with greater independence and empowerment and encourage them to lean more towards having independent careers.
MINFO