Fostering Empowerment and Success
The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has been actively supporting the work in Fiji’s Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) space in both development and policy level work. The Federation acknowledges and proudly supports the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) – one of the 9 councils under the umbrella of FCEF.
Established in 2013 through a collaborative effort between FCEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO), WEBC has shown incredible work it has committed to since its inception in providing spaces for women entrepreneurs. Its primary focus is to champion and provide assistance to women entrepreneurs in Fiji and ensure that the voice of women in the formal and informal sectors are heard at the policy level. WEBC also focuses on engaging in capacity building of WEBC members, through training workshops, networking and community outreach programs.
In the past 11 years, WEBC has gained a strong association with the advancement and growth of women’s economic empowerment. It has garnered acknowledgment from various local, regional, and international collaborators, positioning itself as a highly regarded organization led by women that is dedicated to empowering women. The council’s involvement spans from grassroots and community initiatives to corporate and governmental spheres, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and active engagement across all sectors.
Women Invigorating the Nation (WIN) Convention
One of the major dates on WEBC’s calendar is the WIN convention held in March. As part of its upcoming agenda, the council is preparing to organize its yearly gathering, the Women Invigorating the Nation (WIN) Convention, scheduled for March 22nd and 23rd. Last two years has seen two successful WIN conventions and this year the Women Entrepreneurs in Business Council is looking forward for another successful convention. This year’s theme, “Revitalize for Resilience: Fostering Inclusive Inspiration for All” underscores the event’s focus on rejuvenation and inclusivity.
Last year, WEBC launched its Green Policy, formulated internally by WEBC members with the assistance of the Asian Foundation. This policy required members to incorporate green practices into their businesses and be assessed and ranked accordingly with green stars. This year WEBC will take a step further into this and launch the Green Star Awards at the Convention.
This Convention reflects the collective interests as women create a safe space or forum to stimulate fruitful discussions and talk solutions, and eventually to map a way forward on how to stimulate growth and the expansion of national production possibility frontier.
Benefits of Joining WEBC
Joining the Women Entrepreneurs in Business Council offers numerous benefits for aspiring female business owners. First and foremost, it provides an invaluable platform for networking and connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and challenges. This supportive community fosters collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, allowing members to learn from each other’s experiences and gain valuable insights.
Additionally, the council facilitates workshops, seminars, and panel discussions featuring successful women entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders, which provide valuable learning opportunities. Being part of such a council also enhances visibility and credibility, as it demonstrates a commitment to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Moreover, the council advocates for policy changes, promote gender equality in business, and provide resources and support to navigate the unique obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs. Ultimately, joining the Women Entrepreneurs in Business Council opens doors to a wealth of opportunities, empowering women to thrive and succeed in the business world.
WEBC has ongoing activities and programs which includes:
If you aren’t a member of WEBC or if your organisation isn’t a member of FCEF – please join and help us champion the course for employers and businesses in the work that we do. For more information, please contact us on 3313188 or visit our off at 42 Gorrie Street, Suva.