Fiji’s oldest and largest indigenous women’s organization, the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei (SSV), will mark its 100th anniversary on Thursday, November 7. This significant milestone celebrates a century of empowering indigenous women throughout the nation.
The organization emphasizes its strong dedication to the health and well-being of its members over the past century, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of its volunteers. SSV President Adi Finau Tabakacoro expressed pride in the resilience and commitment of the women involved, stating, “Our strength and resilience is owed to the SSV women who continue to selflessly contribute their time and effort to ensure that SSV remains relevant.”
Looking ahead, SSV plans to focus on creating wealth for its members and seeks to become self-sustaining. This goal may require amendments to its constitution to allow the organization to engage in business initiatives, which Tabakacoro refers to as ‘new beginnings’ for SSV. Regardless of future changes, she assures that SSV’s 200,000 members across 14 provinces, 189 districts, and 1,192 villages will continue to advocate for indigenous issues.
A celebratory event will be held at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, marking a rich legacy and a hopeful future for indigenous women in Fiji.
This anniversary not only reflects the significant achievements of SSV but also highlights the ongoing commitment to empowering women in their communities. As SSV embarks on this new chapter, it stands as a beacon of hope and progress for future generations.
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