Approximately 2,000 indigenous women, representing Fiji’s oldest surviving iTaukei organization, the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei, are set to convene in Suva today to commemorate the centenary of the institution. The celebrations will also highlight proposed amendments to its longstanding Constitution, aimed at enabling the organization to engage in business activities.
The theme for the centennial celebration is “The Future and New Beginnings,” articulated by Bau chief and national president of SSV, Adi Finau Tabakaucoro. She elaborated on the intention to modify the Constitution to foster a more dynamic and efficient organization, which includes revising membership criteria to accommodate various groups.
Discussions around wealth creation are also on the agenda, with Adi Finau indicating plans to implement a framework reminiscent of Fijian Holdings Ltd (FHL). This initiative aims to leverage the organization’s extensive membership, which spans 200,000 individuals across Fiji’s 14 provinces, 189 tikina, and 1,192 villages, establishing income-generating opportunities for both the organization and its members.
In her remarks, Adi Finau likened the organization to “a tired old woman,” asserting that a transformation is imperative. She stressed that this transformation includes not only structural changes but also a new generation of leadership.
Historically, the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei, registered as a charitable trust in the early 1900s, has played a crucial role in empowering iTaukei women through cultural preservation and skill development. Initially focused on traditional arts and crafts, the organization has evolved to support its members in cultural preservation, enhancing living standards in rural communities, and fostering female leadership at various levels.
Notably, the organization’s founding dates back to 1924, led by Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Derrick, instrumental figures in technical education in Fiji. The movement gained traction throughout the country and, by 1944, its stewardship was traditionally transferred to Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, with his wife, Lady Maraia Sukuna, becoming the first national president.
The centennial celebration will be inaugurated by the British High Commissioner to Fiji, Dr. Brian Jones, with invitations extended to government representatives, the diplomatic community, and civil society.
This event marks not just a celebration of a hundred years but a pivotal moment for the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei as it seeks to embrace modernity and adapt to the evolving needs of its members in a changing world. The hopeful anticipation for “New Beginnings” suggests a promising future where the organization can play a significant role in advancing the empowerment of indigenous women in Fiji.
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