Jack’s of Fiji is proud to announce the grand opening of the Rise Beyond the Reef store at Port Denarau on 15th October 2024. This new store marks a significant milestone in Jack’s ongoing commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives that promote economic development and cultural preservation in Fiji. The Honorable Minister Lynda Tabuya was the chief guest and officially opened the store, underscoring the importance of the collaboration between Jack’s of Fiji and Rise Beyond the Reef in fostering social impact and economic growth.
Rise Beyond the Reef Store: Empowering Women and Preserving Culture
By partnering with Rise Beyond the Reef, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering remote Fijian communities, Jack’s of Fiji aims to provide increased market access for artisanal products crafted by women from some of Fiji’s most remote areas.
The collaboration reflects Jack’s of Fiji’s mission to nurture sustainable growth and social impact by promoting locally made, eco-conscious products. The store will showcase a range of unique handcrafted goods, including woven baskets, traditional mats, and other artisan crafts made by partner communities in Ba, Ra, Kioa, and Cakaudrove provinces. These products highlight the rich cultural heritage of Fiji while supporting local economies.
“We are excited to partner with Rise Beyond the Reef to open this new store,” said Nikul Khatri, Director of Jack’s of Fiji. “By providing a retail space for these talented artisans, we are helping to bridge the gap between remote communities and the broader market. This store is not just a business initiative; it’s a platform for economic resilience and cultural preservation that we are proud to support.”
Janet Lotawa, Director and Co-Founder of Rise Beyond the Reef, also expressed her gratitude for the partnership. “We work with more than 500 women with the goal of supporting economic resilience and inclusion for remote women in Fiji. This store will provide them with access to new leadership opportunities while promoting the practice and transfer of traditional knowledge and skills as a means to build climate resilience. The products featured in this new shop include work by partner communities in Ba, Ra, Kioa, and Cakaudrove provinces. We are grateful to Jack’s for supporting market access for rural, remote women who are normally not included in Fiji’s formal economy spaces.”
The launch of the Rise Beyond the Reef store is a testament to Jack’s of Fiji’s commitment to community-driven projects that create positive social and environmental change. It not only empowers women by providing economic opportunities but also helps preserve traditional skills that are integral to Fiji’s identity.
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REFERENCES: This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
FOOTNOTES: Additional details, clarifications, or sources referenced in this article are included as Footnotes below the text when applicable; otherwise, no Footnotes are provided.