Women are equal partners in a country’s quest for economic and social progress – Prof. Prasad

Women are equal partners in a country’s quest for economic and social progress.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad highlighted this at the handing over ceremony of the Kimaya House to the Tagitagi Mathar Sangam in Tavua.

Professor Prasad says he personally believes in the huge importance of women's contribution to society, especially for developing countries such as Fiji.

The Kimaya House was built for the women’s organisation in Tavua to use for their meetings, trainings and any other empowerment activities.

Professor Prasad says this marked another, yet important milestone for Tour Managers and the TISI Sangam on this accomplishment.

He says for women to be able to effectively play this role, they must be adequately supported with the backing of all stakeholders including Government, businesses, development partners and others.

He says the Government recognises their right to enjoy a life free from violence and to access the entitlements, privileges guaranteed under our Constitution unencumbered by discrimination, culture or oppressive religious interpretation.

He says Government continues to work with regional partners and civil society, including faith-based organisations in the empowerment and development of women.

He says the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection have programs that are budgeted for in the 2024-2025 financial year to assist women in empowerment, financial stability, and sustainable livelihoods through income-generating projects.

Professor Prasad says a host of studies suggest that putting earnings in women’s hands is the intelligent thing to do because women have been proven to be good financial managers.

He says when they control income more is devoted to education, health and nutrition-related expenditures, and less is spent on alcohol, cigarettes and other unnecessary expenditures.

Professor Prasad further says they saw in the news about the graduation ceremony at the University of the South Pacific Laucala Campus where it witnesses a remarkable milestone of women that make up the 61 percent of the 1,147 students that graduated over the two days graduation which was held in Suva this week. He says the government is dedicated to providing every child with the right to be educated to a standard, which equips them to fulfill their potential as citizens to follow their dreams of a rewarding future.

He acknowledged the Tour Managers Group of Companies for the invite and the organising committee for the warm welcome.