Financial service providers need to play a crucial role in the empowerment of women and girls.
Ministry of Women Permanent Secretary, Eseta Nadakuitavuki highlighted this during the Westpac and Suva Marathon International Women’s Day family walk which is about the empowering of women to achieve through their ability to improve women’s access to financial services such as loans, savings accounts, and financial literacy programs, which can help our women overcome economic obstacles and pursue entrepreneurial endeavours.
Nadakuitavuki says the Fiji Government applauds Westpac for its existing support for Fijian Women through initiatives such as the Westpac Fiji women and girls’ education grants, offered as part of Westpac’s sustainability agenda; Westpac’s extensive financial education program, and Westpac’s microfinance schemes for women.
She says it demonstrates the bank’s commitment to advancing progress on gender equality and economic development which complements the Fiji Government’s commitments.
The Permanent Secretary has also acknowledged Westpac for its commitment towards investing in women, encouraging the financial institution to continue with the momentum because empowering women is not just the right thing to do - it's also smart economics.
She adds that investing in women is not just a matter of human rights but is also a crucial step towards eradicating poverty which could be achieved by implementing gender-responsive financing, a strategy that will ensure that women have equal access to financial resources and opportunities as we strive to make the world a better place for both women and men.
