ON DOUBLE STANDARD IN INDUSTRY
Asociety can only succeed if all citizens have equal chances to flourish, says the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, Heather Wheeler.
During her visit to the Makoi Women’s Vocational Training Centre yesterday she emphasised the importance of women’s role in their communities, families and societies.
“Women’s economic empowerment is key to unlocking development, but organisations
like this centre are only one part of the picture,” she said.
“To really succeed, the private sector, civil society and government all need to work together, which is exactly what is happening here with strong and innovative partnerships being built by this centre,” she said.
Mrs Wheeler was accompanied by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseni Vuniwaqa, when visiting some of the centre’s facilities. “The catering kitchen and training kitchen is superb. The idea that they can also have these skills and learn sewing to earn real money wherever they go and live makes such a difference,” she said. “The hydroponics, that is outstanding.” She added the experience itself was an eye opener.
“I think it’s exceptional, the fact that it was purpose built. What I learn here I can absolutely take back to the UK,” Mrs Wheeler said.
She continues her Pacific visit today where she heads to Tuvalu to attend the Pacific Islands Forum meeting.
The catering kitchen and training kitchen is superb. The idea that they can also have these skills and learn sewing to earn real money wherever they go and live, makes such a difference. Heather Wheeler The United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific