VIRISILA Silivere, the brave woman who rescued six people during a flood in Seaqaqa, Macuata last month, has been acknowledged for her heroic act.
Assistant Minister for Women Sashi Kiran rewarded the mother of two at an International Women’s Day celebration held in Labasa on Wednesday.
She thanked Ms Silivere for her brave and courageous act of swimming through floodwaters to rescue the passengers of a private car that got washed away by strong currents. Ms Silivere said she did not expect to be rewarded for her brave act.
“I am happy that they recognised my efforts in saving the family who could have died in that flood,” she said.
“God is good for giving me the strength and boldness to run from my house, swim across the flooded river and rescue the three adults and three children.
“I can still remember that day and how the children sat in the back of the car looking frightened because the older people were helpless too.”
Ms Silivere said all the women in Fiji who had survived domestic violence and other challenges were also worthy of rewards.
