Page 4 - SPBD September 2024

SPBD

WHAT’S NEW

The WE-Fi Code: Valuing Women’s Voices

in Fiji’s Finance Sector
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Fiji has joined
financial service providers in a landmark move aimed at
increasing funds and access to women-led micro, small and
medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
SPBD Fiji, Westpac, Merchant Finance and the South Pacific
Stock Exchange signed their commitment to the Women
Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code at a ceremony
at the Reserve Bank of Fiji on 28 August 2024.
The WE-Fi Code is a global initiative by financial services
providers, regulators, development banks, and other financial
institutions to collaborate on increasing funding provided to
women-led MSMEs, so that they can grow and add value to Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Social Protection, Eseta Nadakuitavuki and
SPBD Fiji General Manager & Director, Elrico Munoz, at the signing.
the economy and their communities.
RBF Governor, Ariff Ali acknowledged that SPBD Fiji
At the signing, the Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and the other organisations at the signing were leaders
and Social Protection, Eseta Nadakuitavuki, noted that in their industry, “and are already advocates of women
“cultural norms, lack of financial literacy and systemic biases entrepreneurship and empowerment. By signing today, they
have long held women back.
are making a public statement of their commitment to women
“But with the WE-Fi Code, we are taking a stand. We are in Fiji. I applaud their willingness to make these commitments
saying that these barriers must come down and that women’s and to act as leaders amongst their peers.”
voices must be heard and valued in the financial sector.”
In signing the Code, SPBD Fiji and the other institutions
Other Fiji signatories to the Code include the Reserve Bank commit to advancing access to financial services for women
of Fiji (RBF); Fiji Development Bank; the Ministry of Women, and women-led MSMEs, while also enhancing an enabling
Children and Social Protection; and the Ministry of Trade, Co- environment for gender-inclusive finance. They commit to
operatives, MSMEs and Communications. Fiji is a pioneer as appointing a Gender focal point within their institution and
one of the first countries not only in our region, but globally, to providing relevant data and information on women-led
to adopt the Code. MSMEs.

SPBD Fiji New Centres Opened in 2024

Congratulations to our new Centres which when combined, bring 476 new members as at 31 August 2024.
NAUSORI SIGATOKA RAKIRAKI NABOUWALU
Nausori Market Vendors Laselase Vou Dakuivuna Vou Bua Vou
Momi Vou Drana Vatuloaloa
SUVA Nasama Vou Korovou Vou
Caubati Tiara Raiwaqa Vou Nanokonoko Vou SAVUSAVU
Delaitokatoka Vunavutu Vou Natunuku Vou Karoko
Mataisuva (Veikoba) Yavulo Women Club Rabulu Vou Yaroi Vou
Rewasa Vou
LEVUKA LAUTOKA Vunikavikaloa TAVEUNI
Moturiki 1 Veidogo Naba Lima
Vunato Vou
LABASA
Gaunavou

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