Sustainable fashion partnership to support Pacific women and girls

“A sustainable future for our Pacific women and girls cannot be left to chance. We must be heard at the decision-making levels and develop meaningful partnerships to open doors to opportunities and ensure no one is left behind”, says Loau Donina Va’a, Chair of the Pacific Women’s Professional Business Network.

The Sydney-based network will soon launch a new website, and a new partnership with Fiji fashion designer, Hupfeld Hoerder, to meet their desired goal.

The launch takes place at the Frangipani Gala 2023 – a glamorous formal occasion at the Holiday Inn Warwick Farm on April 15.

PWPBN says the website is designed to advance understanding of the situation of Pacific women, their hopes and aspirations, foster cross-cultural sharing and learning, as well as be better well-versed for forecasting, decision-making and action.

Myra Heather, a young Samoan woman is grateful, saying that four years ago, she was ready to leave Sydney because there was no hope nor help. “Today, thanks to the network’s connections and checking in regularly with me, I have my early childhood qualification and last year, [I] was promoted to Supervisor.

“You know, a few years ago, I bought a frame from the network with the saying ‘she believes she could, and so she did’, this has stayed with me always,” she said.

Internationally acclaimed fashion designer Hupfeld Hoerder has for the past six years, donated generously to the network.

“One of the main important things for young women is to develop a good network system for support like the PWPBN especially in seeking the right opportunities to develop experience and skills,” says Hoerder.

“In this very fast-paced environment with daily changes and new technology, our young people need all the support and encouragement from us.”

Hoerder’s new line ‘Serenity’ celebrates sustainable fashion with the hope that our Pacific culture and traditions live on.