MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
McMullan
Women in the Pacific and East Timor will be given an opportunity to improve their business skills and develop professional networks through a three-day workshop in Vanuatu from 15 to 17 March 2010, the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, BobMcMullan announced today.
"The workshop brings together women from across the Pacific and East Timor to share their experiences and discuss strategies for managing the challenges facing business in the region," said Mr McMullan.
The Australian Government is supporting the workshop in partnership with the International Finance Corporation and the International Trade Centre (a joint agency of the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations).
At the workshop, the International Finance Corporation will launch eight new reports on the experience of women in the private sector. Funded by the Australian Government they provide a strong evidence base to improve policy and programs to help ensure that women have the same economic opportunities as men.
The Economic Opportunities for Women in the Pacific report features case studies of business women from seven Pacific nations. They highlight the stories of dedicated women who have become business leaders in their countries.
One of these women is Gaetane Austin from Fiji–founder of Pure Fiji, a major exporter of hand and face beauty products. From modest beginnings in her kitchen she now employs 55 people, of which approximately 75 per cent are women.
"Pacific business women make an invaluable contribution to their economy, and play an important role in improving the lives of their families and communities," Mr McMullan said.