Women from the south side of Kadavu say they recovered from devastation caused by Cyclone Keni to participate in the National Women’s Expo this week.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun yesterday, Ilisapeci Votonimoli, 53, of Vukavu Village in Naceva said at first they had lost hope in participating at this year’s Expo because of the cyclone.

The direct hit from Cyclone Keni with its highly destructive winds had wiped out homes, uprooting trees, damaged plantations and sunk boats.

“My village, Vukavu, was badly affected and our handiworks were destroyed, so at that time participating for this year’s Expo was left with a question mark,” she said.

Ms Votonimoli added that the able support from their men and fellow villagers had helped in the recovery process and brought them this far.

“When we lost hope, our men and the villagers were there to encourage us and they have been supporting us in every way possible,” she said.

“Also due to our commitment and hard work, we are here.”

Comparing their handiworks to last year, she said there was a slight decrease this year,

This was because of the environmental factors.

Ms Votonimoli leads her team of 13 women from Naceva district.

The district has 10 villages.

“Even though our handiworks this year is not much, we are looking forward to displaying it and learning from other women at the Expo,” she said.

Ms Votonimoli said they expected to get more than $3000 from their handiworks which they would take back to the women who have been working so hard for the Expo.

The 2018 National Women Expo will start on Thursday June.

The three-day Expo with the theme ‘Press for Progress’ will be held at the FMF Gymnasium. 

Edited by Percy Kean

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