Through the Australian aid program, the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development (Pacific Women) initiative is funding scholarships to enable women graduates gain economic independence and so much more.
Pacific Women supported 25 students (24 women and one man) with low socioeconomic backgrounds from rural areas of Fiji with scholarships to complete a Certificate in Beauty and Spa Therapy Level IV from the South Pacific Academy of Beauty Therapy.
The 2016 graduates, including Ms Sonam Narayan and Ms Akosita Waqa, are finding work in satisfying careers giving them economic independence.
'I hope every woman in Fiji has a life like mine!' said Ms Narayan, the top student in the course, achieving the dux award. Following her graduation, the Wakaya Private Island Club and Spa sought her out to take on the role of spa manager, a position commonly reserved for practitioners with over 16 years' experience.
Having this job enables her to provide for her 8-year-old-son. This is important to Ms Narayan, because as a single mother, she used to rely on her mother and younger sister for financial support.
Fellow graduate, Ms Waqa received the highest mark in the practical part of the exam. With a dream to travel overseas, she applied for a position in Samoa and is now a beauty therapist at the Misiluki Day Spa in Apia. She shared her advice for other women:
'Take education seriously. Without education you won't be able to find good work anywhere. If you are qualified, you can stand by yourself and you can say that, yes, I am able to support myself and my family as well.'
In addition to the economic benefits, both women have also reported a positive change in how they are perceived by others.
Ms Waqa said her achievements had a profound impact on her 20-year-old-son. 'He was so proud. It really motivated him. He now plans to go for it, too finish off his education and graduate.'
Ms Narayan shared her transformational experience.
'Before, whatever I said or did wasn't accounted for, people said 'oh yeah, yeah' and they just leave it [her opinion]behind. Even in my family now, they respect me, my decisions are being valued even more. In the community, they are looking up to me so that I could help them out in some way.'
'We were really blessed with that scholarship program,' said Ms Waqa, 'because if it wasn't for that program we wouldn't be able to find work,' said Ms Waqa.
Ms Debra Sadranu, Principal of the Academy and Managing Director of Essence of Fiji: Rejuvenation Centre, also thanked Pacific Women for investing in rural women and contributing to Fiji's tourism industry.
'We are truly grateful to DFAT for impacting the lives of our graduates by sponsoring this rural women's program. The impact of this program has not only assisted our rural women but also alleviated the HR issues in this high demand industry. Hotels and resorts are continuously contacting the Academy for graduates. With the increased student intake, we are now able to facilitate with recruitment. It is a win-win for everybody rural women and Fiji's spa tourism industry.'
In praising the graduates, Ms Sadranu said:
'Sonam and Akosita are both outstanding women who clearly excelled from being given this amazing opportunity. To witness the outcome of this program has been most rewarding for me as the Principal and the Director. Watching these students evolve from day one, women from rural areas gaining so much confidence and adapting such professional attitudes. Then to be rewarded with employment for their efforts, is in itself an achievement to be both recognised and appreciated.'
More information
- 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 25 November – 10 December 2016
- Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development