Women in Business awards recognised for women by women was organised by the women in business
RANOBA BAOA
Novotel suva lami bay
Ask most successful women and they’ll tell you that when they’re down and out, it is the strength from within and importantly their family that helped them through it all.
For three women, this augured true for them as they were awarded in Fiji’s most auspicious annual women’s award, the Westpac Women in Business Award 2013-2014.
The event was held at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Entertainment Centre with well over 300 guests.
Executive Woman of the Year
A synonymous name in the media, feminist and a strong activist for women’s rights, Virisila Buadromo took the Executive Woman of Year.
Ms Buadromo’s accolade adds to the other international and regional recognitions for leadership and contributing role in her field.
Her mother, who received the award in her absence described her daughter as a woman who never gave up in what she believed in.
She said in iTaukei: “I am very thankful to Virisila for what she had done.
“She has faced a lot of challenges but has always done so without fear and I am very proud of my daughter.”
Aspiring Entrepreneur
of the Year
Beatrice Nast, the only woman nominated in two categories, is the first bold entrepreneur to have ventured out into the first biking rental business in Fiji.
Together with her partner Anand Achari, they operate the Westside Motobike Rentals (Fiji) Limited.
The business arms are specialising in motorbike rentals, car rentals, buggy tours Harley Davidson rental and tours and general motor dealerships and agencies.
She is only one who was nominated in two categories, the other being the Business Woman of the Year.
And who would have thought that after six long years of convincing the Land Transport Authority to give them biking permits that it would turn out to become a success in Nadi.
As director, she said: “Thinking back when we started with five bikes under a palm tree, no Insurance wanted to cover and it took LTA six years to give us the first 10 permits for rental bikes.”
“Last but not least, a big thank you to Anand. I love you.”
Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj
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