By LITIA MATHEWSELL
The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) has reached a major milestone with the launch of the Women Entrepreneurs & Business Council on Saturday evening.
This is the federation’s seventh council and was launched by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau during the closing of its Top Executive (TOPEX) Conference at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa in Natadola.
This newly-launched council’s key role is centered on developing women in businesses from both the formal and informal sectors.
It is expected to also include women serving in senior management and professional roles.
Ratu Epeli labeled the formation of such a council as a decisive move that met the Conference theme- ‘’inclusive business growth: partnerships beyond 2014’’.
He said it also addressed gender-based inclusive growth, aside from contributing towards the national Millennium Development Goal progress on poverty and gender equality.
“This launch provides a mainstream platform that recognises the needs of women in business – collectively and individually – that must be addressed and to be duly recognized in the world of doing business,” he said.
The federation was commended for its efforts in formally acknowledging the vast contribution of women towards Fiji’s economic development by setting up such a council.
Ratu Epeli encouraged all women involved in business to join the new council, which he says would provide them a strong voice and the required support.
Stepping up the game
Meanwhile, Ratu Epeli, whilst closing the two-day conference on Saturday night, challenged the private sector to step up on innovation.
He also urged them to create more employment and provide up-skilling opportunities by supporting internships, on-the-job training and apprenticeship programmes as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“With Fiji’s National Elections scheduled for September 2014, business investment confidence should be heightened with a renewed entrepreneurial spirit emerging within all industries and sectors of the economy,” he said.
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (fourth left) cuts a cake with members of the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation to mark the launch of their Women Entrepreneurs and Business Council on Saturday night at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. Photo: MINFO NEWS