In the village of Lawai, women are actively engaged in pottery-making, creating unique handcrafted items. There has been a notable shift as many have moved away from traditional labor practices and are focusing on maximizing their land for pottery production, which serves as a source of income.
The ladies’ group is known as the ‘Naboumasi-masi Pottery Club,’ led by Makelesi Adivugalei. She shared that in the past, women had to travel to distant areas to harvest clay, as there were no facilities available for them to work locally.
Makelesi has been married since 1979 and has furthermore contributed to the establishment of the women’s group dedicated to pottery. She recounted that a woman from Tailevu married in Lawai and encouraged others to set up a communal space for their crafts.
Initially, their pottery products were limited, but the group’s efforts have allowed them to expand their market reach to nearby hotels in the Sigatoka area. They began producing pottery in small huts but have now grown into a larger workspace for women, creating a supportive environment to showcase their handcrafted goods.
Currently, there are 22 women actively participating in the club. Some of the more senior members are over 70 years old, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of pottery in Lawai, a place known for its high-quality clay.
Makelesi explained that the women not only make clay pots but also produce a variety of other items, including small decorative pots and various traditional crafts.
She highlighted that the women’s craftsmanship could significantly uplift their communities economically, enhancing the lives of their families, churches, and supporting local governance.
The women frequently visit local hotels to showcase their work and establish their presence in the market. Makelesi underscored the importance of sustaining these traditional crafts, tracing their origins back to their ancestors.
“Without hard work, we achieve nothing,” she reiterated to motivate the women to commit to their trades as many engage in local sales instead of the larger markets.
After one month, the women gather the funds they have earned, which they allocate to their communities, families, and future projects that aim to enhance their pottery and craft skills.
Makelesi also appealed to the government for support in providing assistance to these women who live in the less developed areas of their village.
She encouraged the younger generation to focus on education to ensure future success, noting that education serves as a foundation for economic advancement.