LocationsFrom Skills to Sustainability: Women Connecting for Knowledge Sharing and Economic Progress
May 1, 2025
Patrick Tuimalealiifano (sitting, center) with workshop participants, celebrating the power of women’s voices and collaboration for sustainable business growth and community empowerment
An inspiring initiative by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) and the Markets for Change (M4C) Project has brought together more than 40 women market vendors, businesswomen, graduates from the Ministry of Women’s National Expo and representatives from diverse women's organizations.
In collaboration with key partners - Itaukei Affairs Trust Board, Merchant Finance, Women’s Fund Fiji and Fiji Development Bank, these women gathered to share experiences, learn and collaborate. Over two days, participants not only learned the essentials of crafting compelling funding proposals but also exchanged insights, discussed challenges and explored ways to grow their businesses, uplift their communities, and drive lasting change.
"I hope you will maximise this opportunity to learn and continue to share knowledge, information exchange and empowerment. I urge each of you to embrace the opportunities before you, share your unique perspectives, and inspire one another. UNDP Pacific Office will continue to champion women’s voices and harness their strength to create safe, sustainable, and inclusive marketplaces for future generations." - Patrick Tuimalealiifano, UNDP Team Leader for Inclusive Growth.
This workshop celebrates the progress of women expanding beyond their comfort zones and capitalizes the potential as catalysts for transformation. By addressing global environmental challenges and create safe, inclusive marketplaces, GEF SGP and M4C demonstrate their drive and commitment to empowering women economically and socially. These programs, in partnership with other stakeholders, have adopted a needs-based approach to equip women with skills to access grants and support in expanding their business.
Championing Women’s Voices and Strength
Women were at the heart of this workshop, creating an enabling environment where participants feel valued, supported, and equipped to make their aspirations a reality. From learning effective proposal-writing techniques to connecting with potential supporters and financial service providers such as Merchant Finance, Fiji Women’s Fund, Fiji Development Bank, and the iTaukei Affairs Trust Board, attendees are gaining the tools to amplify their voices and bring community-driven projects to life.
Alena Kolituiviti, Suva Market Vendor Association
“Before attending the training, I felt confined to conventional methods in my business. But the training, wow, it was mind blowing! Many of my long-standing questions were answered, revealing new avenues to support not just my business but my community as well.
I wholeheartedly encourage other women and businesswomen to attend such transformative training.
Now, I can confidently say that I’m thinking outside the box and driving progress of my business.”
Sofi Talei, Suva Market Inspiring Cooperative
“As the President of the newly formed Women Cooperative (Suva Market Inspiring Cooperative t/a Sisterhood Kitchen), I was thrilled to be invited to this workshop. I was eager to explore new opportunities for myself and my members in terms of building capacity and accessing financial assistance.
One key takeaway from the training is that while grants are accessible, it is important for us as businesspeople to adopt a mindset of saving as part of our daily lives. Personally, I love saving, which makes it easier for me to help other women in our Cooperative to access the Government grant provided by the Ministry of Trade.
To all businesswomen out there, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of such trainings to drive the progress of your business.”
Mereoni Naikanitoba, National Women Expo Graduate
“When I first attended this training, I had no idea what the training was about. However, I am incredibly grateful for the experience. The Grant Proposal Writing training has opened my eyes to various avenues for accessing grants to support my business to grow, such as Fiji Women’s Fund and iTaukei Trust Board.
Although my children have left the nest, my small business has empowered me to cover my rent at the Downtown Boulevard and other expenses. As a representative of the Tikina o Macuata to the Soqosoqo ni Marama for Macuata, I am so determined to share the valuable insights I’ve gained with other women.
Vinaka vakalevu, UNDP, for this enlightening opportunity.”
Selina Nainoka, Catholic Women League
“As the President of the Holy Eucharist Catholic Women’s League in Suva, I have spent 17 years teaching expressive arts in Primary and Secondary schools around Fiji. When I was invited to this training, I had no idea what to expect, only that it was focused on women.
Networking with other businesswomen from the Suva and Nausori markets, as well as graduates from the Ministry of Women, has broadened my perspective. I am now eager to share what I’ve learned with my fellow parishioners, helping them access grants and connect with other businesswomen around Suva.
Personally, I have learned how to write concept note and proposals, skills that will not only strengthened our Women’s Catholic League but also benefit my village, Cawaki, Tailevu, especially in crisis response. There is no limit to learning, especially in the realm of art and craft (artisan).”
Dilitia Tinaikawai Women Interest Assistant, Ministry of Women
“The Ministry of Women expresses gratitude for the invitation to the training. The session was highly beneficial, enhancing our understanding of GEF small grants and improving our ability to assist maritime communities in the Eastern Division. We identified solutions to vendor issues, which will strengthen our networking and coordination.
The training was relevant to our graduates and participants, providing valuable insights into opportunities from various stakeholders and organizations supporting women, groups and sole traders.”
The workshop's focus on inclusivity extended beyond skill-building—it also emphasized the transformative impact women can have when supported. Presenters from Women’s Fund Fiji shared learnings and best practices for creating projects that addressed inequities and improved the lives of rural and marginalized women, including those with disabilities and diverse gender identities.
Laisani Rokoderea, Merchant Finance
“When a woman has access to finance, it unlocks a future not just for herself but for her family, her community and the nation of Fiji. These capacity building training workshops are the handholding and support that women need more of, to equip, lead, empower them to grow and thrive in the market’’.
Thank you for the opportunity to share what we offer under “Marama Finance” at Merchant Finance and hoping we assist more women in their empowerment journeys to close of the gender finance gap. Vinaka Vakalevu UNDP."
Building Skills and Breaking Barriers
Majority of the participants attended the grant training for the first time and were excited at the opportunity. Many have been running businesses for 10 to 20 years, and found the experience highly rewarding. They gained actionable knowledge, from mastering concept note requirements to identifying resource types and partnerships. Group exercises and discussions encouraged collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collectively addressed challenges faced by their communities.
The workshop offered a platform for women to bring unique perspectives, solutions, and insights into every area of business and life—whether it’s in leadership, business innovation or building on networking, or relationships. Their stories and lessons, shaped by their journeys, create rich wisdom that inspires and empowers communities.
Miliakere Tuidrola, Fiji Women’s Fund
Special emphasis was placed on entrepreneurial opportunities through the Business & Investment Ready Grant 2025 under the Solesolevaki Framework, a scheme designed to boost the ambitions of iTaukei and Rotuman women in business. Merchant Finance, another key contributor, presents innovative financial products that enhance women's economic independence.
James Macgoon, iTaukei Trust Fund
Susana Kalou, Fiji Development Bank
"The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) has long championed women's economic empowerment, recognizing that inclusive financial solutions and knowledge-sharing are critical to achieving sustainable development.
Our Women Loan Facility was thoughtfully designed with this in mind — empowering women to actively participate in economic activities not only transforms their lives and communities but also creates a ripple effect that contributes meaningfully to national economic growth."
GEF SGP provides financial and technical support to local civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs), with a special focus on Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, to develop and implement innovative local actions that address global environmental issues, while also improving livelihoods and reducing poverty. M4C Project focuses on empowering rural and urban women market vendors, ensuring the marketplaces are safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory.
The M4C project is implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNDP and with support from the Government of Australia.
For more information, please contact:
Fane Cinavilakeba, Markets for Change Project Associate on email – fane.cinavilakeba@undp.org or Vilisi Veibataki, Markets for Change Project Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | vilisi.veibataki@undp.org | +679 3227701
This work is in support of SDG 5: Gender Equality.
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