Women in the Pacific will be given an opportunity to improve their business skills and develop professional networks through a series of practical activities to be held in Vanuatu.
The three-day 'Economic Opportunities for Women in the Pacific' workshop which starts today brings together women from across the Pacific and East Timor to share their experiences and discuss strategies for managing the challenges facing business in the region.
Eight new AusAID funded reports will be launched at the workshop that will inform program and policy relating to Pacific women in private sector development.
The reports provide a comprehensive picture of women's experiences in the private sector in East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
The 'Economic Opportunities for Women in the Pacific' report features case studies of business women from seven Pacific nations. They highlight the stories of dedicated women who have overcome adversity to become business leaders in their countries.
One of these women is Gaetane Austin from Fiji. She is the founder of Pure Fiji, a major exporter of hand and face beauty products. From modest beginnings in her kitchen she now employs 55 people, of which approximately 75 per cent are women.
A further 500 people, mostly women, have been able to generate an income through the company's products. They have used their new income to improve their lifestyles putting it towards water tanks, food, school fees and child health.
AusAID is also supporting the first workshop in the Westpac Pacific Banking's 'Women in Business' series.
This is a new enterprise development network for local ni-Vanuatu business women, and features financial management and business skills training courses especially for women in Vanuatu.
More information
Economic Opportunities for Women in the Pacific–Reports
Helping women in business in the Pacific–Media release
Gender equality and development
Development in the Pacific