The women of Rabi Island in Cakaudrove have hailed the coconut industry as an important tool in the empowerment of rural women.

Leading a 15-member group from their island to the Coconut Day celebrations in Savusavu on Thursday, Tebuka Tabuya said the coconut industry remains to be the main source of income for most on the island.

“We understand that a part of women empowerment is being independent, using our skills to earn income and to be active members of society,” Ms Tabuya said.

“This is coming slowly to us and one of the ways that we have been able to achieve this is through the production of numerous products from coconuts like artefacts and virgin oil.

“Most of us did not complete high school and when we return to the village we turn to the making of these traditional artefacts to earn for our families.”

She said they made soap, virgin coconut oil, fans and other products from coconuts.

Meanwhile, women involved in the making of virgin coconut oil have been reminded by the Agriculture Minister Inia Seruiratu to ensure they produced quality products at all times.

While making his address at the Coconut Day celebration in Savusavu on Thursday, the Minister for Agriculture Inia Seruiratu said in order to ensure maximum returns, members of the public should maintain the quality of the finished product.

“We all know that the majority of our rural women are diversifying into high value product such as virgin coconut oil.

“I wish to remind you that the determining factor will always be on the quality of the product,” Mr Seruiratu said.

He said the Government at the same time applauded the level of commitment by producers and processors.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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