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Co-owners of The Attic Vivienne Wade (left) and Litia Kurisaqila.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), we shine a light on the remarkable women driving change in Fiji’s business landscape. Through the Drua Innovation Small Grant Scheme (DISGS) 1.0, local women entrepreneurs are not only breaking barriers but also creating sustainable solutions that uplift entire communities.
The DISGS 1.0 grant, designed to empower rural communities, focuses on women’s social and economic inclusion, ensuring they play a vital role in shaping the future of Pasifika. Among its 11 awardees, seven are women-led enterprises, including The Attic and Zonah United – both transforming traditional industries through innovation and empowerment.
The Attic, co-founded by Vivienne Wade and Litia Kurisaqila, is more than just a boutique furniture business; it’s a platform for sustainability, craftsmanship, and women’s empowerment. Specialising in handcrafted furniture made from locally sourced mahogany offcuts, the business not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also provides stable livelihoods for rural women and artisans.
“In just 14 months, we’ve helped 12 women from the Nasinu community gain employment and access urban markets.It’s not an easy job, but by working with local artisans, we are keeping Fijian craftsmanship alive while creating new income opportunities,” said Vivienne.
With FJ$75,000 in grant funding from DISGS 1.0, The Attic has:
Expanded livelihood opportunities for rural women in remote communities in Vanua Levu, the second largest island of Fiji, generating over FJ$5,000 in income through handcrafted artifacts and furniture.
Created two new full-time jobs for female carpenters, breaking gender barriers in non-traditional trades.
Reduced environmental impact by transitioning to 100 percent locally sourced materials, eliminating reliance on imported wood and transforming sawmill offcuts – once considered waste – into valuable resources.
Inside the workshop at Nasinu Forestry Center, a female carpenter processing wood offcut that will be used for furniture decorations.
A transformative food processing enterprise, Zonah United blends agriculture and business to uplift women from marginalised backgrounds, including single mothers and vulnerable youth. The company employs 10 full-time women, providing stable jobs and a pathway out of poverty through sustainable economic opportunities.
“We believe that empowering women is not just about providing jobs but creating opportunities for growth, independence, and leadership” says Naheeda the director of Zonah United
“By investing in women, we support them building a future where they can thrive with dignity and confidence.”
With the support of FJ$51,250 in DISGS funding, Zonah United has successfully upgraded its processing facility to meet internationally recognized Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point standards, ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance for both local and international markets.
Director Naheeda Maqbool, proudly stands at Zonah United’s newly upgraded manufacturing facility.
Key achievements include:
Modernising production with new automated processing machinery, including agricultural drying, slicing, grinding, and packaging systems to enhance efficiency.
Providing continuous training and upskilling for staff, equipping them with skills to operate advanced equipment and ensure high-quality output.
Increasing production capacity and competitiveness of the products.
Looking Ahead: For All Women and Girls
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate trailblazers like the women entrepreneurs of The Attic and Zonah United, whose determination and creativity are paving the way for a more inclusive, prosperous Fiji.
When women are economically empowered, entire communities flourish. Their journeys serve as powerful testaments to the role of women in driving economic growth, even in the face of challenges.
With the generous support of the Government of Luxembourg, Government of Fiji and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) remains committed to supporting all women entrepreneurs and young girls pursuing their dreams.
Happy International Women’s Day!