This week we feature two stories about women making a change in their communities. These stories were sourced from the Fiji Government FB page
A freezer, a dream, and a village
(Livia Tuvoli’s small shop with a big impact)
In the quiet village of Solodamu in the district of Tavuki, Kadavu, a small grocery shop is doing more than selling food — it is changing the way villagers access everyday essentials.
Behind the counter is Livia Tuvoli, a determined entrepreneur whose small business has become an important part of life for people in her community.
For years, Mrs Tuvoli balanced village life with her efforts to earn an income, running a modest grocery shop while also selling fresh produce at the Vunisea Market.
What began as a small venture slowly grew through persistence, careful planning and the support of her family.
A turning point came in 2025 when she received a $4000 Women’s Economic Empowerment Grant from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.
With the funding, Mrs Tuvoli invested in a solar-powered freezer — a purchase that would transform her small shop.
For villagers in Solodamu, frozen food items such as chicken, ice cream and ice packs were once difficult to access, often requiring travel to other areas. The freezer changed that.
Today, Mrs Tuvoli is able to stock frozen goods, giving families in the village easier access to items that were previously out of reach.
Her shop has since grown into a convenient hub for everyday supplies, while also providing her family with a more stable source of income.
Mrs Tuvoli credits the support she received, along with encouragement from her family and community, for helping her expand her business and continue serving the people around her.
Her journey is a reminder of the growing role women entrepreneurs are playing in rural Fiji — where small businesses, backed by determination and the right support, are strengthening families and uplifting communities.
From water to opportunity
(Nadivakarua women move closer to fish farming success)
In Nadivakarua Village, Kubulau, Bua, a group of women are taking steady steps toward building a new source of food and income for their community.
Recently, officers from the Ministry of Fisheries’ Aquaculture team in the Northern Division worked alongside villagers to connect the inlet pipe to the Nadivakarua Women’s Group fish pond — a crucial step in bringing the community aquaculture project to life.
For the women involved, the project represents more than just a pond. It is an opportunity to strengthen food security in the village while creating new livelihood options through fish farming.
During the visit, fisheries officers also shared important guidance with the women’s group on preparing and providing quality fish feed, an essential factor in ensuring healthy fish growth and a productive harvest.
With the inlet system now in place, the community is eagerly awaiting the arrival of fish fry, which will mark the next stage of the project as the pond is stocked.
Once fully operational, the fish pond is expected to provide a steady supply of fresh fish for the village and open the door to new economic opportunities for the Nadivakarua community.
For the women behind the initiative, the project is a reminder that with the right support, community effort and determination, small steps can lead to lasting change.
The Nadivakarua Women’s Group fish pond — a crucial step in bringing the community aquaculture project to life. Picture: FIJI GOVERNMENT
Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Selina Kuruleca and her team in New York.
Picture: FIJI GOVERNMNT
