A group of women from the village of Lawai is actively engaging in pottery-making, selling their handcrafted items as a means of income. They are currently unable to seek other forms of employment but are optimistic about effectively utilizing the land around them to sustain their livelihoods.
The women’s organization is known as the Naboumasi-masi Pottery Club, led by Makelesi Adivugalei. She highlighted that traditionally, women were focused solely on pottery without any shelter to protect their work.
Founded in 1979 when Makelesi got married in Lawai, the women’s group has since evolved into a platform for handcraft making. A woman from Tailevu, also married in Lawai, contributed to building a communal space for pottery production.
Recently, the women have started supplying their pottery to hotels near Sigatoka. Initially, they worked from a small neighborhood space, but now they have a dedicated workshop where they produce their goods, showcasing their craftsmanship.
Currently, there are 22 women participating in the organization, including five senior members over 70 years old, showing Lawai’s recognition for pottery crafting.
The club uses locally sourced raw materials for pottery, such as a specific type of clay found within their community. Their product range includes everyday items like plates and cups, often infused with traditional designs.
Makelesi indicated that successful craftsmanship can significantly enrich their community, families, churches, and the country at large. The women often sell to nearby hotels, marketing their unique pottery to increase visibility.
She emphasized the importance of preserving such artisanal practices, as they were initiated by the village’s elders.
“We must remain diligent in our efforts; otherwise, we may not achieve anything,” Makelesi stated, encouraging the women to work with persistence and dedication.
After a month, the women gather the funds they’ve earned as a result of their hard work and craftsmanship. These profits generally go to their community, providing resources for further improving their craft and sustaining their families.
Makelesi also appealed to the government for support to help facilitate assistance for women living in rural areas. She advocated for encouraging youth to pursue education to better their prospects, as lacking proper education often leads to limited economic opportunities.