MANY rural Fijian women possess the skills, talent and potential that can be further harnessed into entrepreneurship and income-generation.
But like the many rural artisan women who attended the 3rd National Women’s Expo in Suva last week, access to financial services, markets and basic facilities are among many obstacles that hinder their economic development.
With the right-enabling factors and continued investments in the economic empowerment of these women, they could be trailblazers in addressing the inequalities present in our society.
Fifty-two-year-old artisan Ana Vakayatu is a classic example of this who has used her talent and skills to earn a decent income providing for her family.
Mrs Vakayatu operates her own handicraft business in Labasa and specialises in weaving fine mats, baskets, handbags and trays out of pandanus leaves commonly known as voivoi.
A mother to five children, some of which have married, and a wife to a full-time pastor, Mrs Vakayatu’s zeal for business is prevalent through her handicraft.
“I started my business when I moved to Labasa some years ago and I saw that many opportunities there because not many were doing what I did in Labasa,” she told this newspaper during the expo last Friday.
“This business has helped me grow not only personally but has enabled a form of income for me and my family.
“With this business, I also do not depend on my husband’s income and this is where I use my skills and talents to support my husband and family.”
Mrs Vakayatu said her passion for weaving and handicraft was developed at a very young age while learning from her late mother.
Now with a registered business known as Vakayatu Enterprises, the Ogea, Lau native hopes to further expand her business into new territories and access new markets.
She was also one of the 51 women artisans who were licensed with the “Fijian Crafted” certification which will enable them to obtain the Fijian made emblem for their products and further expanding their reach to new and potential markets.
“I have a stall in the Labasa handicraft centre where I am operating out of,” she said.
According to Mrs Vakayatu, the expo has benefited her a lot in terms of sales and gaining new clients.
“I have found it to be very good for me because where I am staying there is not much access to potential clients and markets.
“This expo has enabled me to sell most of my products and many have given me orders to supply my products to them.”
Olivia Nabula, who is an artisan and a member of the Koroipita’s Women’s Group in Lautoka shares a similar story.
The 53-year-old from Koroipita Village in Lautoka sells her handicraft items, mostly unique dolls made out of vau.
“We usually craft every Wednesday and we learn a lot of handicraft skills like angel dolls made out of vau, some made out of masi and dogo.
“Some are sewn together or done through crochet and paper bags.”
Ms Nabula said the art of making dolls was first introduced to her and the group some years back from a volunteer who made dolls out of cloth.
“A European lady came from overseas to our village and taught us making dolls using cloth. But we thought about another way of doing it by using vau,” she said.
These handicraft items have also become an income-generating activity for the more than 20 women who are members of this group.
“We usually sell to volunteers and tourists when they come to our community and we earn good money from it,” she said.
While the expo was a success filled with an array of colourful handicraft products and merry-making, it also benefited the rural women who participated in the awareness and information sessions throughout the three-day event.
Such platforms also display the true potential of women in our rural communities and availed a platform to recognise and celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit.
The annual event was organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and supported by various development partners.
