Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: FDB and New Zealand Join Forces

The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has partnered with New Zealand to introduce a month-long program aimed at raising awareness and providing education for women entrepreneurs in Fiji. The collaboration seeks to highlight and promote the ‘Loan for Women Entrepreneurs’ product through an extensive outreach campaign. This initiative aims to facilitate women’s access to financial solutions for starting and running their businesses, while also offering educational opportunities through Digital Financial Literacy programs.

Saud Minam, Chief Executive of FDB, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of assisting women entrepreneurs in gaining access to financial support. He also highlighted the role of Digital Financial Literacy programs in providing women with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their business ventures. Furthermore, Minam revealed that as of November last year, FDB had allocated over 1,000 loans specifically dedicated to supporting women-owned businesses.

In a statement, New Zealand High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow underscored the significant positive impact of supporting female entrepreneurship in Fiji. She outlined the benefits of empowering women in driving economic development, improving livelihoods, and promoting social empowerment at both the community and national levels. Darlow expressed delight in partnering with the Fiji Development Bank on such an important initiative.

The collaboration between FDB and New Zealand reflects a shared commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting women in business. The two entities aim to create a conducive environment for women entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the economic and social fabric of Fiji by combining their resources and expertise.

This strategic partnership also serves as a testament to the collective efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The program aligns with the broader global agenda of promoting women’s economic empowerment and underscores the significance of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

As FDB and New Zealand continue to work together, it is expected that the program will have a lasting impact on women entrepreneurs in Fiji, enabling them to access the necessary financial resources and knowledge to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. The collaboration represents a step forward in fostering an environment where women can fully participate in, contribute to, and benefit from economic opportunities.

In conclusion, the partnership between FDB and New Zealand for women entrepreneurs in Fiji is a testament to the shared commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in business. Through this collaborative effort, the program aims to provide women with the support and resources they need to succeed and thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape. With a focus on financial inclusion and education, this initiative has the potential to drive positive change and create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Fiji.