In the village of Lawai, local women are actively engaged in pottery-making as a source of income. Many individuals are no longer pursuing various crafts but are focusing on utilizing the local land to cultivate crops for their livelihood.
The women’s organization in Lawai, known as the ‘Naboumasi-masi Pottery Club,’ is led by Makelesi Adivugalei. She emphasized that the club began operations in 1979, originating from the traditional practice of gathering clay for crafting household items.
One member from Tailevu, who married into Lawai, was inspired by other women who regularly gathered clay and subsequently built a place for the community to create pottery, which remains in use today. The women of Lawai have begun exploring pottery as a viable craft, supplying local hotels in the Sigatoka area.
Initially, the women started their work in a small thatched hut, but now they enjoy a larger facility where they can work and showcase their pottery to visitors. Currently, there are 22 members in the organization.
Among them, five senior women are over 70 years old, representing the area’s notable tradition of pottery making, with land suitable for the craft located nearby. Makelesi mentioned that the types of clay used are typical to the area.
The women not only create pottery but also produce small items such as decorations, sculptures, and utensils. Makelesi indicated that this vibrant craft is expected to become a strong source of income for their community, households, churches, and the nation.
They often travel to local hotels to promote their goods, which helps raise awareness of their craftsmanship. Makelesi believes it’s important for them to continuously develop their skills, especially since they have ancestral roots in pottery making.
“If we don’t work hard, we will not achieve anything,” is a common sentiment among the women, who are determined to maintain their craft. They have established a savings system, with the income generated directed toward community, land, and programs aimed at empowering women and enhancing their craftsmanship.
The success the women achieve from their sales benefits not only their families but the wider community as well. Makelesi also appeals to the government for support to uplift women living in rural village settings.
She encourages young individuals to pursue their education robustly, asserting that quality education is fundamental to financial success in their futures.