A financial literacy training was held last week for handicrafts business owners of Mahitahi Handicrafts and Haus blong Handikrafs in Vanuatu.

The training was organised by the Australian and New Zealand-funded Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Program as part of the ‘Building Voices for Women’s Leadership’ pilot project.

Participants of the financial literacy training in Vanuatu. All the participants have indicated they are eager to implement what they learned at the financial literacy training that was held this week. PC: Chris Sahin

The pilot project was developed in partnership with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Bank South Pacific and the Department of Industries (Made in Vanuatu initiative). Through the pilot project, capacity-building initiatives like the financial literacy training are being delivered to help women acquire better understanding of how to manage their finances. The training is also a step towards improving their capacity to participate in, contribute to and benefit from economic growth.

PHAMA’s gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) advisor Chris Sahin said those who attended the training were eager to implement what they had learned over the four-day training.

“We learnt this week that 100% of the trainees plan to use their handicraft business profits for their children’s schooling, family food and household costs, increased health care and savings for the expansion of their businesses, future family needs and rainy days,” she said.

“All the trainees had a different story to tell. Many of the trainees attending the training are single parents, widows and grandmothers who are working to supplement the family income and support their children and grandchildren. Young and older people participated and 10% of trainees were men.

“Gender equity is about opportunity and access for all and we were pleased to have both men and women join our training. The trainees were very excited to attend the first week of training and are already planning how they will better lead their businesses and contribute to their community in other leadership roles,” said Sahin.

Another activity, Strengthening Leadership, took place this week which focused on developing business leadership skills.

For further information, contact Rebecca Bogiri at r.bogiri@phama.biz or on + 678 7736016