For the first time, women from the villages of Nuku, Cakova, Keteira, and Maloku convened at Naroi, Moala, for a Women’s mini-craft show aimed at displaying their handmade goods and promoting empowerment.
This event was organized by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, serving as a valuable platform for the women to share ideas, acquire new skills, and highlight their creativity and entrepreneurship. The participants showcased a variety of products including fine mats, handmade crafts, as well as fresh vegetables and root crops, alongside traditional items like sulu and Jamba. This mini-craft show not only honored traditional Fijian artistry but also illustrated the diverse skills and ingenuity of women in the maritime islands.
Draunidalo, the Principal of Yasayasa Moala College, officiated the event and expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of women to society. He stated, “Women are the backbone of our communities, and their contributions extend beyond their homes. Events like these empower them economically and socially, fostering self-reliance and innovation.”
Kalo Leba, President of the Maloku Women’s Group, also shared her gratitude for the initiative. She noted, “Today, we woke up early, prepared our families, and made our way to Naroi to showcase our handicrafts. For the women of Maloku, we are selling sulu, Jamba, and honey products from our women’s group project.”
Unise Vosataki from Vadra highlighted the significance of such events for women living in remote areas, emphasizing that not everyone can travel to Suva for larger events like the Women’s National Expo. She stated, “Today we are grateful to the government for providing us this opportunity to sell our handicrafts,” noting that it enables women to cultivate entrepreneurial skills and form valuable networks.
The inaugural event in Naroi emphasizes the Ministry’s dedication to empowering women in rural and maritime regions. By offering women a platform to showcase their talents and generate income, the government seeks to foster gender equality and promote sustainable community development.
This successful mini-craft show marks a hopeful step towards greater empowerment for women in Fiji, offering them not just a marketplace, but a chance to build confidence and community support. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the critical role that women play in driving local economies and preserving cultural talents.
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