Empowering women entrepreneurs in Fiji.

0%

Reported improved self-confidence.

In 2024 Tutu Rural Training Centre implemented a women’s empowerment program in rural Fiji, aiming to enhance economic activity, food security and equip women to take on leadership roles in their community. The six-month, semi-residential program provided vocational training, income generation to establish micro enterprises, and management workshops to 27 women from 10 villages. The evaluation aimed to assess its how successful the program was in delivering the expected outcomes and preparing participants for return to their villages at the conclusion of the program.

Indigenous Empowerment.

To ensure this was an evaluation done for and by indigenous people, we centred data collection around the Vanua Research Framework and consulted heavily with indigenous evaluators. In addition we established an Evaluation Working made up of indigenous staff. A terms of reference was developed which outlined the central role the working group would play in the evaluation design, data collection, and analysis.    Training was delivered to the working group. Feedback from the staff indicated they better understood both how an evaluation works and felt they understood much more about the program's impact on course participants. They also mentioned they felt more confident to use evidence based practice in the future. 

Methodology.

Data collection was conducted by indigenous program staff and involved surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with participants and program staff. Key performance indicators included self-reported confidence, if program outcomes were achieved and the program was delivered as expected.   All interviews and surveys were delivered in community language. Indigenous data ownership protocols were followed, meaning that any information collected remains the property of TRTC. This was explained to participants in community languages who were able to give their informed consent

Capturing change in action.

Turning insights into impact.

From key findings to real-world outcomes, see how evaluation drives growth, informs decisions, and helps create lasting change.

Communication

A communication plan was developed to ensure all stakeholders, not just donors were informed of the evaluation findings  to maximise the likelihood of implementation of the recommendations

Findings

The program achieved measurable success, with women generating income through vegetable farming, tailoring, handicrafts, and poultry farming. Seventy-eight percent reported increased confidence, citing newfound independence in making financial decisions as a key outcome.

Challenges

The evaluation revealed challenges such as cultural resistance, limited access to markets, and low literacy levels, which impacted some participants’ ability to fully maximise the program’s benefits.

Conclusion

The program showed measurable success in empowering women economically and socially. Future iterations should address challenges by integrating market access initiatives and enhanced training modules. This evaluation underscores the potential of targeted interventions to drive sustainable development.