Banaban entrepreneur urges women to follow their passion

A Rabi Island entrepreneur is encouraging women to pursue their dreams despite challenges, saying passion is the key to success.

Terikano Takesau, founder of Banaban Virgin Coconut Oil, shared her message of empowerment as the Banaban community celebrates their 80th anniversary this week.

"I encourage our women to do projects such as these because there's a lot of grants and funds available for them to get them started with," Ms Takesau said.

"And it is important that they have passion. If you don't have passion in order to do a project, having passion is what makes you move with your product, with your project."

Ms Takesau established the business 11 years ago as a sustainable project for Rabi women, enabling them to generate income through employment and selling raw materials like coconuts.

The 63-year-old operations manager acknowledged the difficulties women face, including negativity from others.

"Sometimes they put you down. A lot of women issues. They put someone down and worry about going up," she said.

Banaban Virgin Coconut Oil staff Teriataake Tuateira with products on display at Tabwewa Village on December 17, 2025.

Photo: Kaneta Naimatau

"I just want to show them that I can sustain a project. I'm trying to give back to my community."

The business currently employs six staff members and trains school dropouts in coconut oil production. Women also earn income by selling coconuts and creating handicrafts from coconut shells.

Ms Takesau was among the first 10 pioneers selected for the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation project in 2010, starting with a $5,000 grant and growing to nearly $100,000 in support.

Her advice to women: "Be yourself. Be a role model. Everything starts with the family first."

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj