The women of Udu in Vanua Levu gathered in Suva last week for their Market Day to sell handicraft items and other products.
The event was co-ordinated and supported by the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC).
WEBC co-ordinator Fiona Uagunu said that back in May, they carried out an initiative called Bridging the Gap.
“It’s an activity under our strategic plan,” Ms Uagunu said.
“We went up to Udu Point and conducted a two-day business training for the women. So, from that initiative, this is our follow-up.”
Ms Uagunu said that after the business training, they identified the need for women to showcase their products because there had never been a specific market day for the women of Udu.
“As an outcome of our training in May, we got them here on Tuesday to just basically sell their products. And one of the products that they sell is the kiluvatu. The kiluvatu is a double-sided mat that the women of Udu are renowned for weaving.”
Ms Uagunu said travelling from Udu to Suva was costly, especially for rural people.
“So, with the WEBC, we subsidised their travel costs and we set up the market for them just so they could enjoy the experience.”
Ms Uagunu said the Udu Women’s Initiative was a partner of the Women’s Fund in Fiji and through that partnership they were discovered by WEBC.
Milly Rasovo, the president of the Udu Women’s Initiative, said WEBC sponsored them by paying their fare.
“This is something we are so grateful for, coming and seeing that all the mats we brought were sold,” Mr Rasovo said.
Eight members of the group featured at the event showcasing a wide range of handicraft items and seafood which, according to Ms Rasovo, the members had gathered themselves.
