In the village of Lawai, women are increasingly turning to pottery as a means of income generation. Many are engaging in handicraft work, focusing on effectively utilizing the available land around them.
The women’s group in Lawai, known as the ‘Naboumasi-masi Pottery Club’, is led by Makelesi Adivugalei. She emphasizes that in the past, they primarily crafted pottery outdoors due to a lack of facilities for their work.
Makelesi began her pottery journey in 1979 when she also started recruiting more women into the group to engage in handicraft activities. A woman from Tailevu, who also married in Lawai, encouraged others to create homes that could serve as workshops for their craft until the present day.
With the emergence of their handicrafts, the women have been able to supply various hotels in and around Sigatoka. Initially, they started working in a small shed, but today, they have a spacious workshop where they can craft and also host visitors to showcase their handiwork.
Currently, there are 22 women actively participating in the club. Among them are five elder women who are over 70 years old, representing Lawai, a renowned area for pottery due to its rich soil resources.
Makelesi highlights that they utilize specific types of clay, particularly their local soil, which greatly contributes to the quality of their products. The women not only craft pottery but also create items like small pots, decorative pieces, and various other utensils.
Makelesi expresses hope that their handicraft efforts will significantly contribute to financial stability within their community, families, local traditions, and the broader society.
The women frequently participate in markets at various hotels to display and sell their crafts, aiming to gain recognition for their work. Makelesi stresses the importance of maintaining these traditional handicrafts, which were initially passed down by their ancestors.
“Without hard work, we cannot achieve anything,” is a sentiment echoed among the women, who are dedicated to their craft despite residing in a rural area. They are determined to avoid being reliant on external sources and strive for self-sufficiency.
In the past month, the women have managed to pool their earnings, which they use to support their church, community, and their respective family needs. Makelesi advocates for more support from the government to assist the women and those in marginalized areas.
She advises young people to pursue their studies diligently, emphasizing that education is a crucial foundation for success and a pathway to improved living conditions.