Women Entrepreneur Finance (WE-Fi) Code launched in Fiji
FIJI has been chosen as one of the three countries in the Asia Pacific region to pilot the Asian Development Bank (ADB) supported Women Entrepreneur Finance (WE-Fi) Code.
Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection (MWCSP) permanent secretary, Eseta Nadakuitavuki was present at the launch of initiative, which marks a milestone effort to empower women entrepreneurs in Fiji targeted at improving access to financing opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
The WE-Fi initiative aims to unlock financing for women-led/owned businesses in developing countries and seeks to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing financial resources and support their economic empowerment.
Ms Nadakuitavuki emphasised the importance of fostering an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to Fiji’s economic growth.
She highlighted the Government’s commitment to supporting womenowned businesses and creating opportunities for their advancement through the formulation of the Women Economic Empowerment National Action Plan (WEE NAP).
“The launch of the Women Entrepreneur Finance Code represents a significant step towards addressing the barriers that women entrepreneurs face in accessing finance,” she said.
“By providing them with the necessary resources and support, we can unlock their potential to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable development whilst ensuring their business ventures are also sustainable and successful.”
The WE-Fi Code sets out to guide financial institutions and stakeholders in providing tailored financial products and services to women entrepreneurs.
With the implementation of WEFi Code, Fiji aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic prosperity.
The key stakeholders for the WEFi Code in Fiji are the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Fiji Development Bank, Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives and Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications and MWCSP.
(Source: Ministry of Women, Children and Soical Protection)