News

Vuniwaqa commends artisans for their hard work

June 15, 2019 1:08 pm

The unofficial sales record for this year’s National Women’s Expo is $450,938, which is a 2.8 percent increase from total sales last year.

Speaking at the closing of the Expo in Suva yesterday, Minister for Women Mereseini Vuniwaqa commended the 500 women artisans for their perseverance, hard work and determination.

Vuniwaqa says the expo since its inception aimed to boost quality and meeting accreditation standards.

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Women artisans from the four division managed to earn the following in the 3 days expo: Central Division $57,851, Northern Division $77,748, Western Division $33,951 and Eastern Division $162,938.

Other stalls from 32 women’s group selling food and 10 groups selling pot plants $56,415.

Pajemaca Baba of Lakeba raked in the highest income of more than $16,000 for the 3 days.

The prize for the oldest artisans was rewarded to 80-year-old Elenoa Vukea from Naibita Women’s Group in Wainibuka Tailevu.

The youngest artisans’ prize went to 22-years-old Vinaina Voivoi from the Veitamani Women’s Group of Nabouono in Macuata.