Fiji–Australia Partnership Boosts Women’s Economic Empowerment in Savusavu

Investing in women is key to uplifting entire communities — a message reinforced during a recent visit to Savusavu by Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Hon. Biman Prasad.

The two leaders visited two Australian-supported projects that are directly benefiting women and local communities in the Northern Division.

One of the key initiatives is the newly opened Savusavu Market, a collaborative effort between the Governments of Fiji and Australia, and UN Women Pacific. The market offers a safe, inclusive space for women to sell their produce, contributing to greater economic security and empowerment.

They also toured the Mabe Pearl Oyster and Handicraft Showroom, supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The showroom acts as a central hub for community-based mabe pearl farmers in Vanua Levu’s coastal communities, creating new opportunities for income generation, especially for women.