MAKING use of recycled and home-grown products, the Lautoka Women’s Forum launched their Market Day to promote and sell their crafts and creations this week.
Forum president Maria Waqanibau said the women entrepreneurs used the platform to raise awareness on the work their members have been engaged in for decades.
“Every year most of our women take part in the Western Division craft show but this year we were told that it would be moved to a later date,” Mrs Waqanibau said.
“So, we wanted to hold our own for the time being and bring together our members who are very dedicated and committed women not only to their small businesses but to the work that really promotes their home-grown skills.”
Mrs Waqanibau said about 30 members of the forum were part of the three-day event.
“I think it is important that we have these opportunities as often as we can.
“Not only for our small businesses but also to keep this art form alive. Some of us did not get any training or any formal education on this.
“This is skill and our hard work to make these crafts with the main goal to look after our families.”
Longtime artisan Seruwaia Cirivakabola said events such as the market day offered a platform for women to showcase their skillsets.
“Some of us are the breadwinners and others have turned this into bigger opportunities like for me I am a member of the Fiji Arts Council which gives us opportunities to promote our traditional crafts,” Mrs Cirivakabola said.
“Most of my creations are made from the voivoi and it is important for us to maintain this tradition, or it would be lost forever.”
