AT 59, Lite Tuikaba of Kaba Village in Tailevu has weathered more than her share of life’s storms, yet she continues to stand firm.
Married into Yalobi Village in Yasawa, Mrs Tuikaba is a mother of four — three daughters and one son. Since her husband’s passing in 2017, she has carried the responsibility of providing for her family alone.
While her daughters have moved on to build their own lives, her son remains by her side.
Daily life has not been easy. Mrs Tuikaba often rises early to fish or tends her farm to put food on the table and earn what little income she can. Despite the hardships, she speaks with quiet gratitude about a recent experience that has shifted her outlook, the Confident Woman – Community Essentials Training facilitated by LifeBread Stay Connected.
Mrs Tuikaba described the workshop as enlightening, saying it helped her reflect deeply on her life and rediscover her sense of purpose.
One activity that stood out was the “Tree of Life” exercise, which encouraged participants to reflect on their upbringing, personal journey, achievements and future aspirations. For Mrs Tuikaba, it was a powerful moment of self-realisation.
“It made me see where I started, where I am now, and where I can still go,” she shared.
Among the topics discussed, leadership resonated most strongly with her. Through the training, Mrs Tuikaba learned that leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by personal responsibility and daily choices.
She said she now understands that caring for her health, setting boundaries, and making wise decisions are acts of leadership in themselves.
“We have to know ourselves and our limits. We must have discipline to protect what’s important; our health, our time and our goals.”
Budgeting was another lesson she found particularly valuable. Having managed a household alone for several years, she believes financial discipline is key to stability. She intends to share what she learned with other women in her village, encouraging them to manage money wisely and avoid unnecessary hardship.
Mrs Tuikaba is hopeful the training will return to her district of Waya and reach more women.
“This kind of training will benefit many women. I want to see it come back again.”
Her story reflects the quiet resilience of many women across Fiji, women who continue to provide, endure and lead within their families and communities.
According to Mrs Tuikaba, it was a reminder that growth, hope and empowerment remain possible at any stage of life.
Lite Tuikaba (right) with fellow participants during the Confident Woman Community Essentials Training which aims to strengthen women’s confidence, leadership and life skills. Picture: SUPPLIED
