IN a powerful display of rural leadership, over 300 women, youths, and community leaders gathered last month for the Rise Taveuni campaign, a landmark event hosted by the Taveuni Empowerment Women’s Support Group (TEWSG).
Once a small support group of mothers, farmers, and small business owners, TEWSG has grown into a driving force for grassroots change.
The group now leads community development initiatives across Fiji’s Garden Island.
The Rise Taveuni campaign marked a turning point.
Held across multiple days, the event featured capacity-building workshops, cultural performances, and dialogue sessions on climate resilience, entrepreneurship, and gender equality.
Guest of honour Ioane Naivalurua, Minister for Policing, praised the women of Taveuni for setting a national example.
Fiji Women’s Rugby captain Alfreda Fisher said what they witnessed in Taveuni was a movement. This is not just a celebration, but a call to action for all of Fiji to invest in women at every level.
The women of Taveuni have shown the nation what leadership looks like.
One of the most powerful moments came during a storytelling circle where rural women shared personal experiences, many speaking publicly for the first time.
“This campaign gave me the courage to speak,” said Litia Mavoa of Bouma. “It reminded me my voice matters.”
TEWSG’s intergenerational approach also engaged youth, creating space for future leaders to learn from women in their own villages.
As the world marks International Day of Rural Women 2025, TEWSG embodies this year’s theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
“We may be small, but our message is big,” said TEWSG President Maria Tawake.
“Rural women are not just survivors, we are leaders, and we are ready to rise.”
Chief guest Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua with students. Pictures: SUPPLIED
