365 Fijian women artisans gathered in Suva today for the Central Division Craft show.

The women are from various women’s groups from the Central Division covering Beqa through to Rewa.

Other than having a market to sell their hand made wares, it’s also an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to participate in the National Women’s Expo later this year.

Whilst opening the two-day show, Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Women, Dr. Josefa Koroivueta highlighted that the wealth of Fijian women remain untapped potential.

“It is often said that women are the least exploited source of wealth or treasure in the world and that includes Fiji. We haven’t seen the real rise of Fijian women. They’re starting to rise but what we need is to see a more tabled movement as far as women’s empowerment is concerned.”

Meanwhile, only 120 women will be chosen to participate in the National Women’s Expo which is scheduled for June.
The Ministry working with the Fiji Arts Council will assess the quality of the products from the 300 plus vendors, to select those that qualify.

Outstanding artisans will not only get an opportunity to sell their wares at the National Expo, but they will also be able to label their products as Fijian Made, authorized by the Trade Ministry.

Craft show in Suva