In the coastal village of Drue in Sanima, Kadavu, life has always been influenced by the rhythms of the sea. However, in recent years, a significant transformation has emerged, driven by the hard work, leadership, commitment, and dedication of the women of Drue Village.
At the center of this change is the Drue Women’s Group, a collective of mothers, grandmothers, young women, and aspiring leaders who share a powerful belief: development starts with the people, and women are pivotal to its progress. Alena Jikau, a respected leader and lifelong resident of Drue, expresses pride in this transformation, stating, “We may be a small village, but our dreams are big, and the women here are not afraid to lead the way.” Her words reflect a blend of humility and determination.
The women of Drue have mobilized over the past few years to tackle challenges that previously felt insurmountable. Their initiatives range from leading village clean-up campaigns and enhancing traditional crafts for income generation to raising awareness about climate resilience. These efforts have significantly reshaped community life.
One of their standout contributions is improving the overall environment for children and families through collaborative fundraising, coordination, and tireless volunteer work. They have worked alongside men in the village to enhance access pathways, refurbish communal spaces, and support families affected by weather-related disruptions. Additionally, they played a crucial role in fundraising for the installation of solar lights throughout the village.
Through their traditional crafts, including weaving mats and creating shell jewelry, the women have opened up economic opportunities that aid families in supporting education and fulfilling household needs. Young artisan Alena Jikau adds, “Every mat we weave is more than just a craft. It carries our stories, our identity, and our commitment to our families.” This initiative has inspired other young women in Drue to reconnect with traditional skills.
Moreover, the women of Drue have emerged as advocates for social well-being. They facilitate community discussions on gender equality, promote girls’ involvement in leadership roles, and ensure that women’s voices are represented in decision-making processes. Village elders have recognized the significant contributions of women in driving development efforts, further endorsing the importance of their involvement. A recent initiative led by the women is the launch of the Drue Website, designed to aid in fundraising for village development.
Ratu Paula, the village headman, acknowledges the invaluable role played by the women, stating, “Our development would not be possible without the women. They bring unity, they bring solutions, and they remind us what we are working for — our children and our future.”
Today, visitors to Drue are greeted not only by a picturesque coastal setting but also by a vibrant community shaped by the collaborative efforts of its women. Their resilience and strength are evident in every mat woven, every rehabilitated coastline, and each child safely walking along the improved village paths.
As International Women’s Day is celebrated in Kadavu, the women of Drue exemplify a powerful narrative of leadership, resilience, and hope, reminding us that when women take the lead in supporting their families, their communities thrive.
The Drue Village Women’s Group is a grantee partner of Women’s Fund Fiji, focusing on enhancing women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and community resilience. Through grant funding and capacity development, the group spearheads women-led initiatives that boost livelihoods and the overall well-being of women and their families while fostering their active participation in community decision-making processes.
Leave a comment