Workshop to empower women

[Stacey King]

FIJI TIMES ONLINE Salaseini Vosamana  Sunday, September 18, 2011

A GROUP of women in the district of Tunuloa in Cakaudrove are engaged with the learning of virgin coconut oil production to generate income.

Representative Railala Beci said this trade would be a form of self-employment to earn help income for their families, which depended mainly on fisheries.

"We are very appreciative of this training because it will surely improve our living standard since we are deprived from urban centres," Ms Beci said.

"The training will not only encourage the village women to indulge in business trade but it will also help them meet the demand of virgin coconut oil in the local market.

"This district is known for its abundance supply of coconuts and we are really grateful that we will be utilising it for a good cause.

"The production of virgin coconut oil in the district will surely assist us financially and we thank the facilitators for the training," she said.

Facilitator Banaban Women Organisation president Terikano Takesau said the training was part of her service to the community and the neighbouring islands.

"I am extending my services out of Rabi Island and I am very glad the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation and the Rabi Council of Leaders," she said.

"We are trying to empower women to make use of the available resources so they can generate income for their families." The five-day workshop ends this Friday.

"At least the production of virgin coconut oil can boost the economy of Fiji because it will also be marketed overseas," she added.