The strengthened bilateral relationship between Fiji and Indonesia will open new gateways for the empowerment of women and children.

A high-level delegation led by the Minister of Women Empowerment and Children Protection, Dr Yohana Susana Yembise arrived on July 17 at the Nausori Airport.

They were received by officials from Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation. In a briefing held with the Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Josefa Koroivueta, the Indonesian Minister, Yohana Susana Yembise expressed her gratitude towards the Fijian Government for the invitation.

“I am pleased to be here once again and look forward [to] an interactive discussion and exchange information for the mutual benefit of both the countries,” Ms Yembise said.

Last year, the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar had signed a three-year (Memorandum of Understanding) to formalise Fiji-Indonesia collaboration in the areas of women empowerment, gender equality and child protection.

The MOU called for strengthened partnership between the two countries to share information and resources for increased development opportunities.

The Joint Technical Working Group is a result of the commitments made by the two nations under the MOU.

It comprises experts from the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation in Fiji, to collaborate with the Ministry for Women Empowerment, Child Protection and Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

The group will oversee the implementation of the key areas of cooperation stipulated under the Memorandum of Understanding. The second Joint Technical Working Group will review the activities under the implementation work plan directed towards socioeconomic empowerment of women, child protection and social welfare development.

(Courtesy: Fiji Sun)