The Social Welfare budget in Fiji remains at $200 million, providing assistance to 104,000 people under various schemes. The budget aims to provide greater flexibility and support for the elderly and people with disabilities by converting the monthly $25 bus fare allowance into a cash allowance of $25 per month.
Social pensioners over 70 and those on disability allowance will receive a $25 per month cash allowance instead of a bus card top-up. Pensioners over 70 will receive a monthly cash allowance of $150, an increase from the current $125 monthly.
The government is also raising the entitlement age from 60 to 65 to align with the eligibility criteria for the social pension scheme. This change will only apply going forward, allowing those below this age to continue on the assistance system.
The Coalition Government prioritizes promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. It is providing $1 million to assist and empower women’s institutions, implement the Women’s Plan of Action, and strengthen the Domestic Violence helpline.
Strategies to increase female labor force participation include targeted training, childcare services, and gender-responsive budgeting.
Fiji is also providing $500,000 for the Women’s Expo, which will allow women to showcase their talents, market their products, generate income, and encourage and empower other women in the country.
