Women in the village of Lawai are actively engaged in pottery-making, and many are selling their handcrafted items. Although some women have stopped participating in traditional pottery work, they are focusing on optimizing the land available around them to generate income.
The women’s organization in Lawai is known as the Naboumasi-masi Pottery Club. Its leader, Makelesi Adivugalei, noted that earlier generations relied heavily on the land for pottery, often without adequate shelter or facilities for their work.
Pottery craft in Lawai dates back to 1979 when Makelesi began her participation in the women’s group focused on handcrafts, specifically pottery. A woman from Tailevu, who married into Lawai, was inspired to establish a home for their craft practices, leading to the setup of proper facilities for pottery production.
As participation in pottery began, it also expanded into supplies for nearby hotels in the Sigatoka area. Initially, the women operated from a small shed, but now they have access to a larger workshop to meet the growing demands for their pottery items.
Currently, there are 22 women involved in the Naboumasi-masi Pottery Club. Among them are five senior women, aged over 70, who have become prominent figures in the pottery community due to the area’s reputation for high-quality clay.
Makelesi highlighted that the women utilize various types of clay, particularly soft clay sourced from around their village. Their activities go beyond pottery making; they also produce ceramics such as small pots, utensils, and decorative items.
She emphasized that their entrepreneurial efforts pave the way for better financial stability in their communities, families, and local economies. The women actively engage with hotels to showcase their handicrafts, which has helped raise awareness of their work among tourists.
Makelesi believes it is essential for the women to continue pursuing various craft projects, as their endeavors stem from the traditions passed down by their ancestors. She stated, “If we don’t strive for improvement, we will not achieve our goals.”
The women conduct regular meetings to collect earnings from their sales, which serve as vital support for community events, agriculture, and developmental initiatives aimed at enhancing their pottery skills.
Furthermore, Makelesi has requested government assistance to provide resources for the women in the larger rural areas to foster their entrepreneurial spirit. She encourages young people to pursue education effectively, as a good education is the foundation for future financial success.
These efforts aim to raise the living standards not only for the women but also for their families and the wider community.