The Fiji Association of Women Graduates

Intergenerational workshop and Christmas dinner

admin — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:13:17 +0000

On November 19, FAWG held an Intergenerational workshop at the Fiji Club facilitated by Dr Kedrayate and Lily Vesikula. The season was celebrated straight after through a buffet dinner and exchanging of gifts. More photos of the event can be found here. Everyone at the Fiji Association of Women Graduates wishes you all a season full of joy, peace, kindness, light and love! Thank you so much for all your continuing support.

Support our first movie premiere to send some girls to school

admin — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:12:25 +0000

The Fiji Association of Women Graduates (FAWG) invites you to the Movie Premiere of ‘I Don’t Know How She Does It’, starring Sarah Jessica Parker.

Join us at Village 6 on November 2 (Wednesday) for a night-out with your girlfriends, sisters, mothers, daughters and friends, and enjoy the evening with a pre-movie cocktail at 6pm where FREE wine, juice, crackers, cheese and nibbles will be served. The movie begins at 7pm.

Tickets are $13 and all proceeds will go to the FAWG Scholarship Fund and the Kate McPherson Scholarship Fund.

Buy some tickets and you might win a lucky door prize!. If you purchase 10 or more tickets for your big group, you get a discounted group rate of $11 per ticket.

Synopsis of the movie:
Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Munn and Christina Hendricks star in I Don’t Know How She Does It, a comedy from director Douglas McGrath (Emma, Infamous) and producer Donna Gigliotti (The Reader, Let Me In). Based on the critically acclaimed bestseller by Allison Pearson, I Don’t Know How She Does It follows a Boston-based working mother trying desperately to juggle marriage, children, and a high-stress job.
For more info visit the official movie website: http://howshedoesitmovie.com/

Watch the Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNSn57b6T1U

We thank you so much for your support! We also thank our generous sponsors who have kindly supported this event – Village 6, Star Printery (printing of tickets and posters), The Greenhouse Studio (wines), Va Bene (Italian wines), Cost U Less (crackers, cheese etc) and other members, friends and supporters of FAWG whose time, effort and commitment keeps us moving forward.

To buy tickets, please contact:
Ronna – email: hi@iamronna.com, mobile: 9248099
Seni – email: senimili.kamikamica@usp.ac.fj
Charlotte – email: charlotte.taylor@usp.ac.fj

Click here to find out more about the FAWG Scholarship Fund or here to become a member or volunteer of FAWG.

August Luncheon: Website launch and presentation of 2011 Scholarship recipient

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:31:38 +0000

We will be having our August Luncheon tomorrow, Wednesday 17th of August from 12.45pm – 2pm at The Vineyard Palace, Suva for $15 per head. At this luncheon we will be launching our newly-revamped FAWG website and we will also be doing the official presentation of the FAWG scholarship recipient for 2011, Ms. Tina Jackson.

The Young Members’ have been tirelessly working on the website for the last few months and are excited about unveiling a website that aims to fully engage with members, volunteers, sponsors, prospective donors and other interested members of the public. More details about the site’s new features, functions and applications will be presented tomorrow at the luncheon.

Our scholar, Ms. Jackson, will also be traveling from Nadi to be with all of us so it would be a good time to get to know our recipient a bit better. You can view her profile here.

We look forward to seeing you all at our Luncheon. For confirmations, please email Charlotte at taylor_c@usp.ac.fj.

Update:

The August luncheon was well-attended and was even covered by Matilda Simmons from Mai Life magazine. Here are some photos of the event. All the other photos can be found on its own Facebook album here.

FAWG Scholar interview series: Tina Jackson

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:01:14 +0000

Tina Jackson is FAWG’s newest recipient for the Association’s Scholarship Fund which pays for the tuition fees of selected young women studying in non-traditional fields at the Fiji National University (FNU). She is 19 years of age and is in her second year of studying Aircraft Engineering (Mechanical) at FNU. Recently, we caught up with Tina and we interviewed her for this particular series.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m originally from Savusavu where I had most of my primary schooling until class 8 when I moved to Suva to study in Dudley Intermediate, and then Dudley High School. I am the youngest of four, and I have two sisters and a brother. I’m currently on my third stage of study in the field of Aircraft Engineering (mechanical) in Nadi.

My hobbies are reading, swimming, listening to music and socialising. I consider myself to be independent, loud at times, a team player and sometimes impatient .

Who has influenced your life greatly and why?

My mother is my inspiration. She brought all of us up when my father passed away 17 years ago. She continues to work hard to give us the best of everything… Her hard work and sacrifices for my siblings and I have motivated me to become someone in life and repay her for all she has done.

Why did you choose to study Aircraft Engineering?

I chose to study this course because I have always been interested in it. It is looked at primarily as a man’s field of work, and that is a challenge that I look forward to.

How is this Scholarship helping you?

This scholarship takes the load off my Aunty who was previously paying for my tuition. The course costs around $4000 per stage! Without FAWG’s help, it would be very difficult for me to continue.

Do you have a message of inspiration for other young women out there?

To young women out there, nothing is impossible. It just takes hard work and perseverance. Always honour your elders, in my case I honour my Mother. Have fun and enjoy yourself while studying or in whatever you do, but keep your goals in mind.

The Power of Education in Effecting Change

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 05:32:23 +0000

This is the title of the International Federation of University Women’s (IFUW) new Programme for Action that aims to enable women to achieving equity in all aspects of life. IFUW has chosen to focus on four themes: Education for Empowerment and Leadership, Education for Freedom from Violence, Education for Financial Independence, Employment and Entrepreneurship and Education for Sustainable Futures. A special cross-cutting theme has been chosen as a focus for work at the international level for the next three years (2010 – 2013): “Education for the Realization of Rights”.

The 2010-2013 Programme for Action was launched and discussed during the 2010 IFUW conference in Mexico City. FAWG was well represented in the conference as key members were able to attend and participate in this international conference of all women graduate organisations. This Programme is now currently being implemented through various projects and campaigns not only in FAWG but also in other graduate women federations and associations.

Here are excerpts from the document about the four core areas of the Programme:

Education for Empowerment and Leadership

Raise awareness and understanding and create opportunities through ongoing formal and informal education for women and girls to become literate, knowledgeable and independent and take an equal role in leadership and decision-making in both individual and public life.

Education for Freedom from Violence

Raise awareness and understanding of what constitutes violence and how to take action to create environments in which nations, communities and individuals can prosper free from physical, psychological, economic, social and cultural violence.

Education for Financial Independence, Employment & Entrepreneurship

Raise awareness and understanding for women and girls to become financially literate and learn to understand how to obtain and manage finances and other resources, matters essential for women’s autonomy. And by doing this, create opportunities for women to become employed, self-employed and / or entrepreneurs.

Education for Sustainable Futures

Raise awareness and create opportunities through ongoing formal and informal education on how to live in a way that sustains environmental, social and economic processes and ensures a just distribution of resources.

To see and read the whole document, click here.

Would you like to be involved in implementing this Programme of Action in Fiji? Join us as a member or volunteer. Click here for details!

The Girl Effect: The world’s greatest untapped solution.

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:48:30 +0000

The Girl Effect organisation’s inspirational message is similar to the Fiji Association of Women Graduates. We also believe that educating girls and women not only empowers us but creates a ripple effect in solving the world’s greatest problems.

Here’s an excerpt from their media kit that basically says it all:

She’s the economic backbone of her family: the chore doer, the caretaker, the insurance policy. She’ll be the mother of the next generation. She will reinvest 90 percent of her income into her family, generating a powerful ripple effect. Her brother? Thirty to forty percent.

When she’s educated through secondary school, she’ll bring 25% more income into her family. When she’s healthy, her community’s health will improve as maternal mortality and child malnutrition drop, and HIV rates decline. She will drive 70% of agricultural production. She is an unrealized economic force, accelerating growth and progress in every sector.

Exclude her and the world misses out on an enormous opportunity. Kenya would gain $27 billion in potential income per generation if its female secondary school dropouts continued their education. Brazil foregoes an average of $17.3 billion per year as a result of girls’ joblessness. India sacrifices a potential of $100 billion over a lifetime due to adolescent pregnancy.

There are 600 million adolescent girls in the developing world. Invest in their lives, and many more lives benefit.

The video clip below is an engaging portrayal of the situation and the solution:

Be part of the change.

Perhaps you would like to join us for the cause of education and give something back to your less fortunate sisters and friends? Find out the benefits of membership and how to become a FAWG member here. If you are a non-graduate, you can still help by volunteering. Some information about our volunteer scheme can be found here. Lastly, if you would like to make a generous donation to our Scholarship Fund that pays for the tuition fees of some young women scholars studying in non-traditional fields at FNU or in any of our other current projects, please contact us at fawg.members@gmail.com.

The Kate McPherson Scholarship

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:31:26 +0000

Some FAWG members attended the launch of the Kate McPherson Scholarship on 10 August at the USP AUSAid Performance Space at USP. This new scholarship will allow Fiji Women Graduates of USP to pursue postgraduate study in Education at the University of Tasmania.

To give you a brief background on the late Dr Kate McPherson, she was an inspirational teacher and educator who immensely contributed to Education until her passing in 2007 due to motor-neurone disease. Her career spanned many number of years in numerous places around the world, including working at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji. Shortly before her death, she conveyed how much she would like to support the study in Australia of women in Fiji who face the limitations inflicted by poverty, political instability and gender. To honour her wish, the Trustees of Kate’s estate and the University of Tasmania Foundation have established a trust fund in her name to create a scholarship to allow students from here to undertake postgraduate studies in education in Tasmania. The goal is to bring the first student there in February 2012.

Together with the launch of this scholarship is also an appeal to Kate’s friends, colleagues and to everyone who is willing to support the cause, for donations to the scholarship capita. The University of Tasmania Foundation has agreed to match these donations until the end of 2011. Please disseminate this information to all your friends, family and networks who might want to support this valuable initiative.

Here’s how to donate:

All donations to the appeal are tax deductible in Australia. Donations can be made securely online at the UTAS Foundation website or by phoning the UTAS Foundation Office. An account is being established at the Westpac Bank in Suva to receive donations which donors may prefer to make in Fiji.

UTAS Foundation contact details: Phone (61 3) 6226 1920 / Fax (61 3) 6226 2130 / Email university.foundation@utas.edu.au

Joining us now in supporting this appeal will insure Kate’s legacy – allowing women from Fiji to gain educational qualifications by which they can improve the lives of future generations of the people of Fiji through learning. We hope you will share Kate’s vision by making a donation to the Kate McPherson Scholarship.

Vinaka vakalevu – and thank you.

- Dr Valerie Nicholls (Chair), Dr Sue Boyd, Dr Peter Davies and Dr Jane Rienks

2011 FAWG Quiz Night

admin — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:41:22 +0000

Thank you all very much for supporting our Quiz night! After months of organising the event, the culmination of it all was truly exciting as the house was full last night at the USP Gym! More than 30 teams battled for the top 3 positions at FAWG’s annual fundraiser.

Masada Vuikadavu was a very witty and entertaining Emcee. As Masada led us through the whole evening, our all-seeing and all-knowing judges seriously enjoyed themselves checking answer sheets that contained both serious and the most hilarious answers! Vinaka vakalevu to Masada and to our four judges, Dr Helen Tavola, Joan Yee, Alison Haynes and Marita Manley. Also a big thank you to Lily Vesikula, Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, and all young members and volunteers. Without your hard work and efforts this event would not have come into fruition. It is your commitment and dedication that keeps the spirit of the Association alive.

To everyone who participated, we hope that you enjoyed yourselves and thanks so much for coming to support us! To our sponsors, we are very grateful for your kindness and generosity. Vinaka vakalevu, Dhanyavaad and Thank you!

All proceeds from the Quiz Night will be put towards the FAWG Scholarship Fund, which pays for the tuition fees of our young women scholars studying in non-traditional fields at the Fiji National University (FNU). Some photos are shown below. To view more please visit our Facebook album here.

FAWG members and volunteers. Also our DJ Skitz and Compere, Masada Vuikadavu at far left.

Winners

First Prize

Won by Table 13 (Peni Tawake and friends)
6 Kila World Adventure Park Low Ropes Course Challenge
1 nightʼs accommodation for 2 people at the Pearl South Pacific Resort
1 nightʼs accommodation for 2 people at the Uprising Beach Resort new Commodoreʼs villas
1 nightʼs accommodation for 2 people at the Uprising Beach Resortʼs new Commodoreʼs villas

Congratulations Table 13 (Peni Tawake and friends)!

Second Prize

Won by Table 25 (Seremaia Tuqiri and friends)
6 Back and Neck massage at Head to Toe (worth $210)
6 bottles of wine from Smashed Pigeon

Table 25 (Seremaia Tuqiri and friends)

Third Prize

Won by Table 36 (Matt Capper and friends)
6 bottles of wine donated by anonymous Young members of FAWG
6 Nature Fiji memberships
6 merchandise packs from Kidanet

Table 36 (Matt Capper and friends)

Icebreaker Prize

Won by Table 8 (Munro Leys)
6 merchandise packs from ANZ
6 gift packs from the USP Book Centre

Lucky Door Prizes:

First door prize won by Table 24 (Mere Nailatikau and friends): Complimentary dinner for 2 at the Great Wok of China
Second door prize won by Table 38 (Karyn Gibson and friends): 1 free facial at Nutrimetics (worth $50)
Third door prize won by Table 10 (Richard Sekiguchi and friends): 1 Pure Fiji gift pack

Website revamp

admin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:00:22 +0000

As discussed and agreed on in our Bi-Annual General meeting this year, the FAWG website is being redesigned from its previous older version. The Association has to after all move on with the times and be up to date in terms of technology! You can see right now that it is still being currently developed but as it takes its form you will notice the marked differences. The design is more streamlined, refined and easier to navigate. Events are highlighted in a more efficient manner, and our social media profiles and pages in Facebook and Twitter are featured as well.

Thank you for your patience while we rewrite some of the pages here that may be of interest to you. We are very excited about launching this newly revamped website soon. Watch this space for updates!

Image borrowed from Inmagine.com