Thanks to your generous support, the Fiji Moms Project continues to empower vulnerable women in Fiji’s informal settlements. This 20-week vocational and life skills program is much more than training—it’s a journey toward restored dignity and sustainable livelihoods for Fiji mothers facing hardship.
International Needs Fiji provides on-site daycare for participants’ young children throughout the training, along with nutritious daily meals, so mothers can focus fully on their growth. Upon graduation, each woman receives a tailored business starter pack plus ongoing mentoring to help launch and grow micro-enterprises.
2024 Highlights: From Learning to Earning
The first year saw three impactful phases of training, reaching over 90 women across Suva and nearby settlements.
- Suva-Based Training (Feb–Jun): 15 solo mothers completed intensive training covering health, wellbeing, counselling, and practical business skills like sewing, jewellery making, baking, and financial literacy. By graduation, every participant had either registered a business, gained employment, or was running a small enterprise.
- Kalekana Settlement (Aug): 42 women participated in community-based training that also tackled social issues such as gender-based violence. Follow-ups showed over 80% had become economically active, launching small businesses like tie-dye.
- Wainibuku, Wainunu & Nakorovou (Nov): 33 participants received training focused on workplace readiness and creative crafts. By year-end, 71% were engaged in business or employment despite some community relocations.
Opening Doors to Markets
A vital part of the project’s success has been helping women connect their skills to real income opportunities. Women started by selling within trusted networks—family and friends—building confidence and momentum.
Regular market days hosted by IN Fiji have provided professional platforms to showcase and sell their creations. Online sales channels, including a dedicated store and social media pages, have expanded their reach beyond local communities. Some women are exploring opportunities to sell at local markets, community events, and even cruise ship tourist venues—pending approvals. These pathways are not only generating income but also boosting confidence, pride, and community impact.
2025 Highlights: Update on Latest Training
- Suva-Based Training (Feb–July): 19 solo mothers completed intensive training covering livelihood skills (baking, event decorations, jewellery, sewing, soap making, fabric art), family health, wellbeing, counselling, legal advice, business skills such as planning, product marketing and packaging, and financial literacy.
- Community based training in Nasinu settlement area commenced in late July and will be completed by Aug 22 for 45 women, covering business skills, savings, online marketing, Oil infusion, fabric art and screen printing.
- Planning and pre-visits recently occurred for conducting two Community based trainings in the Western division starting in September. Registration forms have been issued and venues confirmed, with trainer coordination underway.
- The NZ volunteer business advisor continues to add value to the mentoring of the women. During a recent visit, she developed business plans for various streams of income that will provide revenue for both International Needs Fiji and the women who have been trained in the future.
With every mother equipped, a whole family is lifted. Thanks to your support, women who once faced hardship and limited opportunities are now gaining the skills, confidence, and resources to create lasting change. The Fiji Moms Project is not only transforming individual lives—it’s strengthening families, building resilience, and shaping healthier communities for generations to come.