Today marks a momentous occasion for the 106 women who are part of the 2024 cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, graduating after completing their programmes.
The programme is a global initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Fiji celebrated this event, stating that since its launch in 2020, AWE has mentored 600 Fijian women and equipped them with the tools to start and expand their businesses.
Taveuni resident Litia Vakabua says she has learned a great deal during the course, and she will use that knowledge to start and strengthen her business.
She says her daughter motivated her to pursue education after experiencing difficulties during previous challenges brought on by the pandemic.
Vakabua is encouraging other women not to underestimate themselves, and says they should maintain a positive mindset in order to achieve something.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs provides women around the world with the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and sustain businesses.
In Fiji, the seven-month programme combines online learning, facilitated workshops, mentorship, and hands-on experience, including outdoor markets where participants showcase or sell their products. U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Marie Damour, congratulated the graduates on their achievements and says she is proud of the women who have committed to their own growth and turned their ideas into realities.
She says empowering women entrepreneurs benefits not only local communities but also contributes to global commerce and prosperity.
She added that the U.S. government is proud to support Fijian women in building businesses and driving economic growth, thereby strengthening communities.
The Ambassador says that when Fiji prospers, the United States also benefits, and that shared prosperity strengthens trade ties, creates new markets, and supports a more stable and thriving Pacific region.
Damour encouraged women to get educated before starting a business so they could secure a better future.
She says when women succeed in business, they create jobs, grow industries, and inspire innovation.
She emphasised that their leadership helps build economies that are open to new opportunities and stronger trading relationships.
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