The Ministry of Women has partnered with Fiji Arts Council and Ministry of Industry and Trade to open up new marketing opportunities for rural women in Fiji.
The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar says that through this partnership, women will be upskilled to produce quality Fijian Made products.
“Marketing networks have already been established where reliable markets are opening up for women for example in regards to the Virgin Coconut Oil products for Koro and Kadavu island women they have secured a market with the Coconut Company Fiji, it’s a Suva based company and these women have signed one year contract to sell their products which amounts to 40 litres per month.
“The Ministry will also negotiate with corporate bodies to maximise the opportunities for rural women to access market services. Currently we are liaising with Courts Fiji Limited to ensure that as per the Ministry’s sewing program, women will have a space to sell their sewn products at various Courts Fiji outlets. The rural women’s products will also be marketed to Cruise liner ships that will be docking in Fiji. Marketing opportunities are also explored into hotels and
supermarkets,” Minister Akbar said.
The Minister for Women said that overseas marketing opportunities are also available for rural women.
“Some of the women will also have the opportunity to participate in a craft show organised by the investment Fiji which will be held in Sydney later during the year. We are also working closely for our women to participate and showcase their handicrafts in this international exhibition.
The Ministry has also embarked on consultations with our bilateral partners such as the foreign missions and UN agencies in Fiji and abroad to obtain potential markets for women and I am proud to say that our counterparts in Indonesia have shown keen interest for Fijian made products like handicrafts to be showcased in Indonesia in June this year. Securing markets is a priority for the Ministry and we will continue to negotiate with all stakeholders to set clear markets post Expo exhibition,” Minister Akbar explained.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Crafts Shows have already started in Levuka today, with upcoming shows organised in Koro (Lomaiviti) Matuku (Lau), Kadavu, Suva, Nabouwalu (Bua), Labasa (Macuata), Savusavu (Cakaudrove).
DEPTFO