Empowering Kadavu Women Through Traditional Skills: A Path to Prosperity

Members of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama Ni Yasana O Kadavu have been encouraged to leverage their traditional skills and local resources to enhance their micro, small, and medium enterprises. During a two-day capacity-building program aimed at women from Kadavu held at the GCC lounge in Suva, Assistant Minister for Women Sashi Kiran emphasized the importance of maintaining traditional knowledge in a market increasingly dominated by synthetic goods.

In her 25 years dedicated to economic empowerment, Ms. Kiran has consistently advocated for women to utilize their existing skills and resources. She highlighted that traditional skills are one-of-a-kind assets, especially amid a marketplace flooded with affordable synthetic options that can be challenging to compete against. “In today’s world, many consumers are searching for unique handcrafted items, making it possible for local producers to develop their products as exclusive boutique offerings,” she stated.

Ms. Kiran specifically mentioned products such as voivoi mats, voivoi earrings, jewellery, and cushions made from natural fibers as valuable merchandise. She stressed the importance of maintaining high-quality standards for these products.

Furthermore, she encouraged women to explore traditional culinary practices and market unique local resources available on the island. “Have you considered offerings like locally made salt, crafts, dried cassava or plantain flour, dried fruits, or traditional oils and herbs transformed into powders?” she asked.

Given Kadavu’s maritime location, Ms. Kiran underscored the need to focus on quality and practicality, suggesting that products should be lightweight to minimize transportation costs while ensuring longevity in shelf life.

The Assistant Minister expressed optimism that traditional skills could lead to significant economic empowerment. With the rise of online markets, there are now platforms available for these women to showcase and sell their handcrafted goods.

This initiative reflects a promising outlook on how traditional craftsmanship can thrive in modern markets, paving the path for economic self-sufficiency and empowerment among the women of Kadavu. Embracing these unique skills can not only preserve cultural heritage but also inspire future generations.