In the serene early hours of Naseratu Village, Naitasiri, Vitalina Talemaibau embarks on her daily journey, setting out at 6 AM for her farm. Clad in her work attire and equipped with a farm knife, she values the cool morning air, undertaking a two-hour trek to her agricultural haven. This routine is not just her own, but a shared experience among many women in rural communities who play a crucial role in sustaining their households through farming.
Upon reaching her farm, Vitalina collaborates with her two sons in cultivating dalo and nurturing their yaqona crops. The land acts as a source of nourishment and income, while also serving as a lesson in responsibility, discipline, and survival for the family. After a full day’s work, she starts her return at about 3 PM, ensuring that all vital tasks are completed, and by the time she arrives home, dinner is usually ready and household chores are complete thanks to shared family efforts.
Vitalina, 42 years old, embodies the resilience of rural women who balance the demands of both farming and household management. With her hard work, she has been able to support her children’s education, allowing her youngest to prepare for enrollment at Monfort Boys Town in Suva. She expresses gratitude for her brother’s assistance in providing for her child’s boarding needs.
The family engages in harvesting dalo and ota for local markets, relying on the informal transport networks often seen in rural areas. Vitalina shares that through these efforts, she can earn over $100 a day from sales, which helps cover daily expenses, school fees, and village contributions. Those who assist her in bringing produce to market are compensated, ensuring the income generated within the family circulates throughout the community.
Vitalina’s story highlights the quiet determination of rural women whose indispensable contributions, though frequently overlooked, play a vital role in nourishing families and supporting livelihoods. Their labor not only sustains their households but also fosters a strong sense of community and opportunity for the next generation. Such narratives underscore the importance of recognizing and valuing the work of women in agriculture, as they lay the foundation for future success and resilience within their communities.
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