The People’s Alliance Party has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering iTaukei women by supporting their participation in business and enterprise. Recognizing that when women succeed, families, communities, and the nation grow stronger, the Party has facilitated new opportunities through the Taukei Development Fund Facility (TDFF).
One significant initiative is the loan of $85,002.90 provided by the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) to the Suva Market Inspiring Women Cooperative (SMIWC). This cooperative, made up of 21 hardworking iTaukei women vendors, is now taking bold steps to expand its operations by establishing a new bakery and restaurant beside the Suva Municipal Market. This venture is expected to create jobs, generate income, and provide a better future for their families.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the People’s Alliance Party emphasize that economic empowerment is one of the most effective ways to uplift communities. By giving women access to finance and business opportunities, families can achieve stability, self‑reliance, and long‑term prosperity. TLTB Chief Executive Officer Solomone Nata encouraged the cooperative members to manage their business with discipline, ensuring that the benefits extend to their families and future generations.
The groundbreaking for the bakery and restaurant has already been completed, with construction set to begin soon. This marks the transformation of the women’s vision into reality and demonstrates how collective effort can drive meaningful change.
This initiative reflects the People’s Alliance Party’s broader commitment to supporting iTaukei women, strengthening cooperatives, and ensuring that development reaches every corner of Fiji. When iTaukei women rise, families thrive, communities prosper, and the nation moves forward together.