Courts Fiji Limited and South Pacific Business Development have signed a contract renewal for promoting women’s success in entrepreneurship.

The move was welcomed by the Minister for Women and Children, Mereseini Vuniwaqa who officiated at the signing ceremony.

The 2013 Constitution the Minister says has provisions for the economic rights of all citizens and the Fijian Government aims to further reinforce the economic participation of all Fijians including women and people living with disabilities.

The support Vuniwaqa says from SPBD and Courts shows that the corporate entities have also placed key focus on empowering women as entrepreneurs in support of government’s commitment to strengthening the economic participation of all Fijians and in particular for women.

The main objective of the partnership between SPBD and Courts is to develop a sustainable business model for the distribution and financing of goods and appliances that Courts sells to SPBD clients which will increase productivity in their respective households and businesses.

The partnership is expected to develop a sustainable model for the continuous provision of technical support so that these women will improve their business skills and marketing their products.

She also mentioned that the Ministry is also working closely with stakeholders to empower women and increase their economic engagement in the society and there is a need for a collaborative approach if women are to excel in any business they venture in.

South Pacific Business Development General Manager, Elrico Munoz says that they are focusing on women because through the empowerment of women, the whole family is empowered, and through women entrepreneurship, the whole household benefits. “Empowered women also become successful contributors to the development of their respective communities.

The Director Marketing for Courts Fiji Limited, Anil Senewiratne thanked the late Dr. Jiko Luveni for initiating the involvement of the two organizations to join the Ministry in economically empowering Fijian women.

He adds that poverty can be alleviated through small-micro entrepreneurship as social businesses helps the informal sectors of the economy and promotes re-investment into the communities.

The Centre Chief of Waikete, Marica Sute, 34 years of age is a member of SPBD and she acknowledged the support shown by the Ministry, SPBD and Courts to empower the women in her community.

The formal partnership between SPBD and Courts will be valid for 2 years.