Empowering Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Pacific: A Q&A with Asinate Kama

October 9, 2025

Portrait of a person wearing a dark shawl over green clothing against a white background.

As part of UNDP’s Supplier Development Programme, we are pleased to feature inspiring entrepreneurs who are making a meaningful impact in their communities through creativity, resilience, and sustainable practices.

In this edition, we introduce Asinate Kama, founder of Asinate Kama Investment, based in Bua, Vanua Levu, Fiji.

Inspired by her mother’s teachings in handicrafts, cooking, sewing, screen printing, and textile work, Asinate always dreamed of turning her passion into a business. After her career as a civil servant, she dedicated herself to sharing this knowledge with women in rural communities through mother’s clubs and women’s groups.

In this Q&A, Asinate shares her story, her aspirations, and her vision for a more sustainable and inclusive Pacific.

Person with short hair wearing a red-black patterned top and white bead necklace, indoors. — Asinate Kama.

UNDP

Her Work

Asinate creates beautiful and sustainable products including:

Screen-printed backdrops on masi
Recycled vases made from bamboo, coconut shells & PET bottles
Freehand wall paintings & voivoi crafts
Dresses made from recycled newspapers, potato sacks, voivoi, and masi

What Makes Her Unique

Her business isn’t just about creating products – it’s about knowledge sharing. By teaching and training women in her community, she helps them build confidence, generate income, and strengthen networks of women entrepreneurs across Vanua Levu.

Her Vision for the Pacific

“As women in entrepreneurship, the act of sharing knowledge is one of the most sustainable ways we can build resilience. By passing down the skills from our mothers, grandmothers, and aunts, we unlock the potential of young women and girls to step into leadership and business roles.”