IN the coastal village of Drue in Sanima, Kadavu, life has always moved with the tides.
In recent years, another kind of change has taken place, one driven by the hard work, leadership, commitment, and dedication of the women of Drue Village.
At the heart of this transformation is the Drue Women’s Group, a collective of mothers, grandmothers, young women, and emerging leaders who have embraced a simple but powerful belief: that development begins with the people, and that women are central to its progress.
For Alena Jikau, a lifelong resident and one of the village’s respected women leaders, the change is something she carries with pride.
“We may be a small village, but our dreams are big and the women here are not afraid to lead the way,” she says with a smile that reflects both humility and determination.
Over the past few years, the women of Drue have mobilised themselves to address challenges that once seemed too large to take on.
From spearheading village clean–up campaigns, to strengthening traditional mats, and crafts for income generation, to raising awareness on climate resilience, their efforts have reshaped community life.
One of their most notable contributions has been supporting the village development for a safer, more organised environment for children and families. Through fundraising, coordination, and countless hours of voluntary labour, the women collaborated with the men to improve access pathways, refurbish community spaces, and support families whose livelihoods were impacted by weather–related disruptions. The women also supported and fundraised for the installation of the village solar lights.
Their weaving and handicraft initiatives, reviving traditional weaving of mats and shell jewellery — have also created economic opportunities that help families support education, meet household needs, and contribute to village development obligations. “Every mat we weave is more than just a craft. It carries our stories, our identity, and our commitment to our families,” says young artisan Alena Jikau, who has inspired other young women to embrace traditional skills.
Beyond economic and physical improvements, the women of Drue have become champions of social wellbeing. They lead community dialogues on gender equality, encourage girls’ participation in leadership spaces, and ensure that women’s voices are included in decision–making, something the village elders have openly embraced as they have recognised the contribution of the women in driving development projects in Drue. The recent launch of the Drue Website, to help support mobilising of funds for village development, has been an initiative led by the women of Drue.
Village headman Ratu Paula acknowledges their role with deep respect:
“Our development would not be possible without the women. They bring unity, they bring solutions, and they remind us of what we are working for our children and our future.”
Today, when visitors arrive in Drue, they see not only a beautiful coastal village, but a thriving community shaped by the collective hands of its women. Their strength is woven into every mat, planted in every rehabilitated coastal area, and reflected in every child who walks safely along improved village paths.
Their story is not just one of contribution, it is one of leadership, resilience, and hope.
As Kadavu proudly celebrates International Women’s Day, the women of Drue stand as a reminder that when women lead and support their families, communities flourish.
Note: The Drue Village Women’s Group in Kadavu is a grantee partner of Women’s Fund Fiji, supported to strengthen women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and community resilience. Through grant funding and capacity strengthening, the group leads women-driven initiatives that improve livelihoods and wellbeing for women and their families. The partnership also promotes women’s participation in community decision-making while building confidence and leadership among women to actively contribute to the development of their village.
Source: DRUE WOMEN’S GROUP
Over the past few years, the women of Drue have mobilised themselves to address challenges that once seemed too large to take on. Picture: SUPPLIED
Beyond economic and physical improvements, the women of Drue Village have become champions of social wellbeing.
Picture: SUPPLIED
