Page 11 - SPBD Businesswoman of the year awards 2021

SPBD

Sisters in business is back
“After women, flowers are the most divine creation” – Christian Dior.

After a brief pause, Sisters in Business has returned with a striking new orange brown ‘hibiscus
The new revamped look of the Courts Sisters in Business Logo signifies the
woman’ logo signifying its aim to make women blossom forever.
captivating, energetic and intoxicating yet subtle embodiment of the presence of
The revamped initiative by South Pacific Business Development and Courts Fiji Limited serves as
women throughout the existence of humanity. The two colours of Orange and
a “new chapter of the relationship”, said Elrico Munoz, SPBD General Manager at the 2022 SIB
Market Day in Suva on Thursday, October 20, 2022.
Grey might be contrasting at first glance, however, they connote the very essence
Around 100 SPBD members from around Fiji proudly showcased their affordable, quality products
of women. Grey is chosen as the face since it is perceived as a dull and weak
from food to handicrafts at the event held in the leadup to the SPBD Businesswoman of the Year
colour; Coincidentally, Women have been undermined and underestimated
Awards night.
many times that the majority have succumbed to an idealistic sense that because
SIB was founded in July 2013 by the Ministry of Women, SPBD and Courts in an effort to further
strengthen the economic capabilities of women in rural and remote communities. 400 women
of their inferiority they cannot make a difference, insinuating the dull and weak
participated in the initial programme.
ambience of Grey. However, the true significance of Grey portrays an Elegant,
“It started with issuing vouchers,” said Munoz of the partnership. “But now, we have seen that there
Intelligent, Creative, Wise and a Humble character. The Orange filled flower
are a lot of other opportunities. The access of women has broadened, not only for purchasing white
goods, school supplies and other products that (SPBD & partners) can offer, but also broadening
savvily clings to the woman’s hair to show her crowning achievements were met
the market potential of the women, through the Sisters in Business programme,” he said.
through a life filled with a Joyful Sacrifice, Optimism, Motivation and Endurance
Chief Guest and Chief Operations Officer of Vision Investments Limited (the company that owns
Courts), Sanjesh Prasad said the past two years has taught many invaluable lessons, particularly
through the rough seasons she has faced. Like the texture of the Hibiscus flower,
how to reassess priorities.
the mild demeanor of a woman is a mesmerizing scent that depicts the sweet
Prasad says financial inclusion is a key enabler to reducing poverty and boosting prosperity. “With
nature she presents herself with, which captivates her audience as she toils in
adequate support and a robust structure, there is no iota of doubt that these women entrepreneurs
will further become an integral part of the social fabric of our economy,” he said.
service to her family and community. This portrait of the woman with the flower
SIB has an active social media presence whereby SPBD businesswomen like Menani Delana
adorning her head is just a spec of the many strengths and capabilities women
are able to attract a growing customer base. The 49-year-old operates a small fish and catering
have proven to possess throughout history when provided with an opportunity.
business in Nakaulevu, Navua. Delana noted SIB has enabled her to buy a freezer, barbecue set,
tent, table and bench through a combo deal by Courts. Delana is grateful that her business is going
In this sentiment, it is the SPBD members’ story from the budding stages of their
well and that SIB “elevates and edifies her business to grow broader on a bigger scale”.
businesses to the blooming industry that they are a part of today, “Divinely
created”.

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