Women in Kavewa, Nadogo, Macuata, continue to lead community efforts aimed at development and empowerment. Talei Silibaravi, a young woman coordinating the Cagimaiwai Women’s Club, emphasizes the urgency of adapting to progress and enhancing perspectives towards community development.
She notes that the women in Kavewa have been making significant strides lately, actively supported by local men. The Cagimaiwai Women’s Club, established years ago, has primarily engaged its members—30 women, some of whom are over 70 years old—in various community services and initiatives.
In 2011, the women’s group was encouraged to enhance their organizational skills to better facilitate their work in the community. By 2021, they requested support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for biogas initiatives, which successfully provided 24 ‘Home Biogas’ systems, aiding numerous families.
Currently, the women are striving to build a facility that will house solar freezers, intended to help preserve fish and thus support local livelihoods. Their ongoing projects reflect a positive trend toward development within their community, focusing on sustainability and self-sufficiency in food preservation.
Despite being isolated on an island with limited transportation, the women are determined to implement impactful projects that address local needs, such as managing fish sales, which they have found to be a challenging enterprise. They are also leading initiatives to improve their community through the Self Help program, which has boosted their collective endeavors.
Their collaborative efforts extend to partnering with the World Wildlife Fund to protect local wildlife while also enhancing their living environments through various improvement programs. The women are actively supported by local leaders and youth who recognize the significance of their contributions.
As the Cagimaiwai Women’s Club progresses, plans are underway for them to establish a cooperative in the coming months, signaling growth in community engagement and empowerment. This proactive approach demonstrates the potential these women have to influence positive change and foster development, promoting a stronger future for their community.
Overall, the determination and initiative shown by the women of Kavewa serve as an inspiring model of community-driven development, illustrating how collective action can lead to meaningful change even in the face of challenges.
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