“Confident Woman” Program Transforms Lives

Lautoka, Fiji – Women’s Fund Fiji is proud to join Lifebread Stay Connected Foundation (Fiji) in celebrating the accomplishments of twelve graduates from the Centre’s flagship Confident Woman Training Program. Today’s graduation ceremony at the Almanah Hope Centre in Lautoka was a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and personal transformation.

Among the twelve graduates were women like Mafi Kaliti, 45, and Ateca Leba, 53, whose journeys are emblematic of the challenges and triumphs faced by women in Fiji. Mafi, a survivor of domestic violence, carried years of trauma and anger as a single mother, emotions that later affected her new family. Through the Confident Woman Program, she found the courage to release her burdens, address her anger, and embrace a fresh perspective on life.

For Ateca, a widow and caretaker to five children and five grandchildren, the program offered critical life skills in financial management and personal development, enabling her to take on dual roles as both mother and father to her family. These inspiring stories, shared at today’s ceremony, reflect the impact of the Confident Woman Program, which has empowered nearly 300 women over its seven-year history.

With generous support from Women’s Fund Fiji, this program equips women to navigate life’s challenges, fostering resilience, purpose, and a renewed sense of self-worth.

Lifebread Stay Connected Foundation’s Executive Director Dorinda Work expressed deep pride in the achievements of the 2024 graduates: “The Confident Woman Program was established to help vulnerable women rediscover their strengths and realize their potential. Today, we celebrate not just their accomplishments but also the enduring impact they will bring to their families and communities.”

Miliakere Tuidrola, Program Officer at Women’s Fund Fiji, congratulated the graduates and underscored the significance of their achievements, affirming Women’s Fund Fiji’s commitment to uplifting Fijian women through impactful partnerships.

“This is a special day, not only for these twelve incredible women but for the communities and families who will benefit from their resilience, skills, and confidence,” said Tuidrola. “We are honored to support a program that gives women the tools to break barriers, challenge limitations, and fulfill their potential as leaders, nurturers, and creators of change.”

In its seventh year, the Confident Woman Program has served women from communities along the Nadi/Tavua corridor, providing life skills training that enhances their roles as caregivers, leaders, and active community members. Through Women’s Fund Fiji’s sustainability grant, the program has expanded its content, outreach, and institutional capacity, partnering with organizations such as FCOSS, Ba Women’s Forum, BIRTH Fiji, ADRA Fiji, and Pivot Point Fiji.

Participants in this cycle also took part in Pinktober celebrations with cancer screenings by the Fiji Cancer Society and grooming workshops led by Pivot Point Fiji Institute, adding a holistic dimension to their empowerment journey.

Elisabeta Beti traveled daily from Tavua to attend the training, with her husband’s full support. He encouraged her to join, initially hoping she would gain craft skills and knowledge that could help support their livelihood. However, starting with the Confident Woman program turned out to be an unexpected blessing, according to him as it transformed his wife’s outlook and approach to life. The positive changes are now evident in their home and family life.

For media inquiries or more information about Women’s Fund Fiji and Lifebread Stay Connected Foundation (Fiji) programs, please contact:

[Losalini Bolatagici, Communications Officer, Womens Fund Fiji on LosaliniBolatagici@womensfundfiji.org ]