Many of the woman in Ra taking part in the Ra Provincial Women’s Craft Show are working to be financially independent to support themselves and their loved ones.

One of them is 70-year-old Ulamila Nai of Navuniivi Village. She has been a widow for several years. Her 10 children have moved out and started families of their own.

“I left home in the morning at around 6am to be part of this event and I know this is the only way that has helped me financially.

“My children have grown up and they have their families to look after so I do not want to be a burden on them. I have started weaving baskets and handmade bags made from coconut leaves to sell.

“I feel so happy when someone buys my products and applauds me on how fine I have been able to weave it and I hope that I would also be selected to be one of the 25 women who goes to the National Women’s Expo.”

Three other vendors, Berenadeta Adiddrau, Miliana Sera and Elenoa Adi are all part of the Hart Women’s Club in Naqoro and had attended the event to showcase their artwork.

One said: “Most of the women in the group are single mothers and have children who are going to school, so displaying what we are able to do is a big boost because we hope to attract the public attention in buying our products.

“This, in the end, helps us women to send our children to school, to put food on the table so that we are able to meet the inevitabilities of life and most importantly, it empowers us knowing we are able to provide for our own family.”

Most of the women who had attended the Ra Craft Show highlighted the struggles they went through. But they have become empowered and resilient and more focussed on the positives of changing their family lives for the better.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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