Women in Matainoco are building stronger livelihoods and greater confidence through a community–led economic empowerment program implemented by the Matainoco Women’s Club, with support from Women’s Fund Fiji.
The initiative focuses on practical skills training designed to help women generate income, strengthen household resilience, and take on stronger roles within their community.
Since the start of the project, more than 100 women and girls have participated in a range of activities, including sewing, screen printing, weaving, and craft–based enterprise development.
Project Coordinator Isoa Tubuna said the program has been designed to help women recognise their own abilities and turn everyday skills into economic opportunities.
“We are already seeing a change in mindset among our women,” Mr Tubuna said.
“Through the economic empowerment trainings, women are realising their self–worth and understanding that they can contribute meaningfully to their family income and community development.”
One of the key components of the project has been specialised sewing training, where participants learned to produce traditional tevutevu and wedding sets.
The training covered fabric selection, colour coordination, cutting, sewing techniques, pricing, and identifying market demand.
Many of the women had prior informal sewing experience but had never received structured training focused on business outcomes.
In addition to sewing, screen printing workshops introduced women to dye–and–dye techniques and value–added crafts, including jewellery, earrings, and traditional hair flowers.
These skills have created new opportunities for women to earn income from home while balancing household responsibilities.
According to Mr Tubuna, the benefits of the program extend beyond income generation.
“Women are now using their time more productively and sharing skills with each other,” he said. “Families are beginning to see the value of women’s work, not just inside the home but also as contributors to household finances.”
The Matainoco Women’s Club has also prioritised collaboration, working with organisations such as Lifebread Stay Connected Foundation and the Ministry of Women to strengthen training delivery and expand learning opportunities.
These partnerships have allowed the club to access experienced trainers and explore additional skills development in areas such as financial literacy, governance, and climate–related awareness.
The program has reached women across different age groups, including young women and older members of the community, ensuring skills and knowledge are shared across generations.
One woman living with a disability also participated in the trainings, reflecting the club’s efforts to promote inclusion.
With several activities still planned under the project, the Matainoco Women’s Club hopes to further expand training opportunities and involve women from neighbouring areas.
Mr Tubuna said the long–term goal was to ensure women are equipped not only with technical skills, but also with the confidence and knowledge needed to sustain small businesses and contribute to community leadership.
“This project is about building women’s confidence and independence,” he said. “When women believe in themselves, the whole community benefits.”
The initiative focuses on practical skills training designed to help women generate income. Picture: SUPPLIED
