For WLI alumnae Priya Singh and Connie Baitwale, the main objective underpinning the decision to deliver a five-day beauty therapy program for women in Nadi, Fiji was simple: to create an opportunity for women to gain practical vocational skills while also building confidence and sustainable pathways to generating income and professional opportunities.
Working alongside Universal Academy of Beauty Therapy – and with support from WLI’s Leadership Fund – Priya and Connie successfully delivered a pilot program that combined hands-on beauty therapy training with personal development and livelihood preparation.
Over five days, 15 women took part in practical training, daily reflection sessions, assessments, graduation activities and certificate presentations.
“Throughout the week, those taking part learned massage, manicure and pedicure techniques while also exploring topics such as self-care, confidence building, personal leadership, mental health, wellbeing and resilience. The interactive sessions encouraged women to reflect on their strengths, share their experiences and think about how they could apply their learning in both their personal and professional lives,” explains Priya.
“I wanted the participants to leave not only with technical skills, but also with greater confidence in themselves and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them.”
A joint effort
As fellow WLI alumnae living in the same town, Connie and Priya had discussed co-leading a project early on in their WLI journeys.
"It all came to pass when Priya reached out to ask if I was willing to join her in conducting some beauty therapy training for women in Nadi. I was very keen on joining her; really it all started with a conversation between two enthusiasts," shares Connie.
To get the ball rolling, Priya began consulting with WLI and other relevant organisations, while Connie, with her experience in mental health and wellbeing, took on coordinating a Wellbeing and Mental Health session, as well as liaising with participants about various logistics for the training.
“I saw the session as an excellent platform to create awareness about the significance of mental health and wellbeing, which can often be taken for granted or simply ignored. I was keen to include advocating for women's empowerment and positive mental health; for me it was all about aiming to make a positive difference in the participants’ lives. It was so rewarding to note the positive feedback from the women during their presentations,” says Connie.
Connie adds that the presentation – which she'd designed to be very interactive and to emphasise the significance of developing positive mindsets and building resilience – was "an eye opener" for many of the women doing the training and it gave them "a sense of hope for a better, brighter future."
Lessons in leadership
Priya shared how, for her, the experience highlighted the value of collaborative leadership, stakeholder engagement and maintaining flexibility when plans need to change.
“There were challenges along the way, including participant referral changes, first-day absences and the unavailability of some planned contributors. However, these experiences strengthened my understanding of adaptive leadership and project management.”
“One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of remaining flexible while keeping sight of the program’s purpose and intended outcomes.” - Priya
Developing and delivering the program also reminded Priya of the importance of creating inclusive and empathetic learning environments.
“Many participants were balancing financial pressures, caregiving responsibilities, health challenges and limited access to training opportunities. So, designing the program around their realities helped ensure it remained accessible and meaningful. Delivering the training has strengthened my commitment to delivering programs that empower women with the skills, confidence and resources they need to create sustainable change in their lives and communities.”
Connie found the experience "highly rewarding" and it reinforced the importance of using her role as a leader to create opportunities to help other Pacific women.
"As WLI alumnae we were able to execute the training with funding support from the program, which really substantiated our plans and goals. I was able to develop my network and at the same time the experience taught me to always remain humble no matter how high we go in life."
Creating lasting change
Reflecting on the training, Priya says she feels it effectively delivered an integrated approach that combined vocational training with personal development and livelihood support. Participant feedback was highly positive and offered important insights for future possible activities.
“Many women expressed a desire for additional learning opportunities, including longer practical training sessions and further instruction in areas such as facial treatments and makeup. One participant also suggested that similar workshops should be made available to women in other communities and villages,” shares Priya.
“The women’s feedback reminded me that learning does not stop when a program ends. People want opportunities to keep growing, and to further develop their skills.” - Priya
For both Priya and Connie, one of the most rewarding aspects of the training was seeing the women begin to connect their new skills with future possibilities.
“We wanted women to see that a practical skill can become a pathway to greater independence and economic opportunity. The participants left with practical skills, recognised certification and knowledge that could support employment, self-employment and small business development."
"For me, delivering the training was a reminder to always be kind and to try and use my knowledge, skills and potential to help others learn and grow." - Connie
Making an impact
Once the program ended, Priya and Connie provided each of the women with a bottle of massage oil, giving them the opportunity to practice their skills, begin offering services to clients and take their first steps towards earning an income. The impact of the training became clear almost immediately. Within a week of completing the program, two participants secured employment, providing an encouraging early example of the difference these types of opportunities can make.
“Sustainability is not just about completing a project. It is about ensuring people have the support, resources and confidence to continue moving forward long after the training has finished.” - Priya
Furthermore, Universal Academy of Beauty Therapy has continued providing post-training support, while a participant communication group has been established to encourage peer connection, share opportunities and provide ongoing encouragement. The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has also expressed interest in supporting similar initiatives in the future.
“The program showed what is possible when practical skills, personal growth and community support come together, and I look forward to continuing this work and supporting even more women to realise their potential” says Priya.
“I am encouraged by the confidence, enthusiasm and determination demonstrated by the participants. The early employment outcome is promising, but the true impact will continue to unfold as women apply their skills, pursue new opportunities and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.”
Through the WLI Leaders Hub, alumni of the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program like Priya and Connie can apply for and access workplace internships and professional development opportunities, including supported participation in international programs and conferences.