Fiji Development Bank Reaches Out to Women

Suva, Fiji. One of the Fiji Development Bank (FDB)’s core value is ‘passion’, and this was tangibly on display in its recent outreach activity in Tavualevu Village, Ba. FDB encourages its staff to deliver outputs with the highest level of passion, and their efforts were rewarded with close to 40 women being present.

Endeavoring to assist the large turnout in practical and effective ways, the Bank’s Financial Literacy Program and Awareness Session on Financial Loans for Women Entrepreneurs, was a considerable step in the right direction. This support included managing their finances, accessing Digital Financial Literacy resources from FDB’s website, and grasping the process of loan applications.

The session saw their active participation with a keen interest in FDB’s ‘Loan for Women Entrepreneurs’ product. To qualify, a minimum 3-month proper record-keeping threshold is essential. However, despite many of the women currently operating businesses, they unfortunately lack in this area. The FDB team will organize a loan application drive once the women have successfully achieved this requirement.

FDB CEO, Mr. Saud Minam, noted that it was encouraging to see the enthusiasm of these women who will, for sure, be better equipped to follow their pursuits after attending such awareness sessions.
“With the financial literacy courses we’ve introduced, our women are now also learning to more effectively manage their small businesses and to further contribute financially. It’s a big step forward for us, helping to strengthen both families and community.”

Regardless of the hurdles, the Bank is committed to upholding its passion to serve. With a goal to provide financing that contributes to the development of the Fijian economy, FDB will always be there to support local communities and vulnerable groups, such as these women from Tavualevu Village.