The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) today handed over kitchen equipment and utensils worth more than $13,000 to two women’s groups in Tailevu, an initiative aimed at further boosting socioeconomic empowerment for all Fijian women.

The timely donations- funded under the Small Grants Scheme- were received by the Cautata Women’s Club and the Bautikina Women’s Club.

In handing over the donation to the women of Cautata, OPM’s Manager Executive Support Ms Pereeza Ali said the utensils and equipment will certainly assist women with hosting village functions and other major events.

“During the Honourable Prime Minister’s visit to Cautata last year, a request for such items was made to him and today, we’re delivering the Prime Minister’s promise to you,” Ms Ali said.

“We hope that the donation will also generate extra income for the women and your families.”

Cautata Women’s Club president Salaseini Tuisari sincerely thanked the Prime Minister and his government for facilitating their request, which will no doubt, benefit them in a great way.

For the women of Bautikina, OPM’s Chief Assistant Secretary Mrs Amelia Komaisavai said the donation was part of the Fijian Government’s efforts of improving the livelihoods of people in rural areas.

Bautikina Women’s Club president Kelera Qiolevu said; “We are forever grateful to the Prime Minister for this tremendous assistance as this would enable us to better host visitors to our village or during traditional functions”.

“We can’t afford to buy these items. In most occasions, we had to use individual utensils because there was always a shortage of such items for village use.

“But now, we can cater for our own functions. Those villagers who wish to use our new utensils can also hire such items and this will generate extra income for our club and our families.

“We had requested these items in 2018 and today, we have finally received them. We are truly grateful to the Prime Minister and government for not forgetting our request.”

Ends.