Women in the village of Lawai are actively engaging in crafting pottery, which has become their primary source of income. While some local women have ceased to participate in pottery-making, the majority continue to utilize the land around them to produce goods that can generate income.
The Naboumasi-masi Pottery Club, led by Makelesi Adivugalei, has been instrumental in this initiative. The club was established in 1979, alongside a growing movement among women in the region to engage in pottery work.
A local woman from Tailevu, married to a Lawai resident, has been inspired by the traditional pottery-making skills of the women in the area, prompting her to establish a home for them to create their pottery.
Initially, the women’s pottery efforts began with small gatherings but have now evolved into a significant workspace, allowing them to produce pottery that can be sold in local hotels and the nearby area of Sigatoka. Today, the women have access to a larger facility where they work and also have the opportunity to showcase their pottery to visitors.
Currently, the Naboumasi-masi Pottery Club has 22 active members, including five elderly women who have been practicing this craft for over 70 years. The women are recognized for their expertise in creating various pottery items, including bowls, cups, and other utilitarian objects, using locally sourced clay.
Makelesi highlights the importance of this craft in their community, noting that they utilize a specific type of clay found in their village for their pottery. The women have expanded their product range to include items such as shallow dishes, decorative pots, and other earthenware.
Furthermore, Makelesi emphasizes that the success of their craft could serve as a viable financial foundation for their community, families, and local institutions. They frequently sell their pottery at local hotels, proving their skills to clientele and further promoting the pottery of Lawai.
She advocates for the continued support and development of craft-based livelihoods, emphasizing that these skills were passed down from their ancestors.
“We must continue to work hard; otherwise, we will not achieve anything,” she states, encouraging her fellow women to strive for improvement in their craft. Living in the village, they rely on local markets for their earnings, which has become essential for their economic stability.
As initially planned, the earnings generated from their craftsmanship are allocated towards community projects, personal needs, and enhancing their initiatives for women’s empowerment.
The women are recognized for their contributions to supporting their families through their pottery sales, and Makelesi is calling for additional support from the government to further assist the women in expanding their businesses in larger markets.
She also encourages young girls to pursue education and learn the necessary skills to succeed, emphasizing that a solid educational foundation is key to achieving financial stability.