Adu Breaks Gender Norms

In a sewing short course dominated by women, 23-year-old Issachar Adu defied stereotypes, proving that creativity knows no gender bounds.

As the only man in the class, he embraced the opportunity to learn and share his passion for sewing, breaking down barriers and inspiring others to pursue their interests unabashedly.

From Yaren District in the Republic of Nauru, Adu was amongst the first cohort of 101 graduates of the Fiji National University’s (FNU), National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) Community Alternative Programme conducted in the Republic of Nauru for three weeks.

The Community Alternative Programme was conducted by NTPC trainers as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FNU and the country’s Department of Multicultural Affairs (DMA).

The 23-year-old had enrolled into the short course, Garment Construction Techniques and Procedures, taught by the NTPC Trainer, Gade Valenitabua.

“Despite it being a short course, the course was enlightening. The instructor helped the students a lot; there was a lot of hands-on training provided, and now, I can proudly say that I am familiar with the basics of sewing and different styles,” Adu said.

“The best thing about this short course was learning something new, meeting, and engaging with new people, and of course, being able to sew!”

The 19 graduates of the course wore the garments sewn during the period of the course to their graduation ceremony, held at the Nauru Congregational Church New Centennial Hall at Orro in the Aiwo District.

“Being the only male in class was intimidating at first, I was shy in the beginning, but the class was very interactive, and it allowed for engagement with students individually.”

“It allowed me to be empowered, I grew less shy and became more comfortable with the course.”

Employed at the Eigigu Solutions Corporation (ESC), the father of two toddlers said his goal in life was to be an entrepreneur.

“I always put things into action, I will keep on doing it until I have achieved it, therefore I chose sewing to venture into entrepreneurship.”

FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba acknowledged Adu’s relentless passion that he portrayed during the short course.

“While visiting the training centre, I came across a young man who was part of the Garment Construction Techniques and Procedures,” Professor Unaisi Nabobo- Baba said.

“The 23-year-old, Issachar Adu, wants to start his own business. He was the only male student amongst the 19 participants. It was also wonderful to meet the ladies’ that were part of the training. They looked beautiful in their sewn garments.”