Women celebrate day

MORE than 250 women in the Central Division celebrated International Women’s Day at the Vodafone Arena in Suva last week.

The event was celebrated in conjunction with the Central Division Women’s Expo and featured groups and individuals from as far as Namosi, Beqa and

Naitasiri.

Chief guest Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said although the strength of women had been undermined by our patriarchal society for centuries, exemplary women continued to break barriers.

He said the participants were an example as they had battled daily challenges and still managed to enhance their economic participation, earning a living through traditional skills and knowledge in crafts.

“When we invest in women, we invest in families, communities and nations,” said Mr Gavoka.

He acknowledged those who were subjected to unequal power relations, feminists and those who continue to strive forward despite unequal treatment.

“Because we honour them, it is only valid that we honour them the right way by making gender equality a reality.”

Women’s Minister Lynda Tabuya said the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate progress”, signified their charge on equality.

“That’s exactly what we mean, we challenge all employers and all men in leadership to open up space and ‘count her in’,” said Ms Tabuya.

“It’s got to inspire inclusion, and only by participating together in the economy can we see true progress in the country.

“Women now need to become the backbone of the economy as we are seeing more men leaving our shores for the labour mobility scheme.

“We have to be able to inspire our women to step forward and to enable them to participate economically, and it starts with International Women’s Day today.”

Picture: RUSIATE VUNIREWA Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka with women at the Vodafone Arena last week.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Salote Rokoca, left, Rufina Rolau, Amelia Yalosavu and Viniana Lesumai with their display at the Central Division Women’s Expo last week.

Picture: RUSIATE VUNIREWA 2. Women dressed in different shades of purple to commemorate International Women’s Day. 2

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU 1 1. Soko Ravosai, left, with Semaima Lagilagi.

Picture: RUSIATE VUNIREWA Reshmi Kiran, left, and Pravina Naidu from the HSC Club in Nakasi.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Participants from Naitasiri at the expo in Suva last week.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Vasiti Adivonokula, left, Vasemaca Tinaicavaraba and Akanisi Adimaiwai.

Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU Veniana Niurua, left, with Teresia Liteawasa at the women’s expo.

Picture: RUSIATE VUNIREWA Women pose for a group photo at the expo last week.