First timer seeks growth at Annual Expo
“Making crafts out of plastics bottles was something unique that gave a fresh perspective that not everything belongs in a trash can, but can generate money.”
Wednesday 22 November 2023 | 15:00
Asinate Vakaraira of Nasolo, Bua, with her plastic bottle flowers made from recycle products on display at the sixth National Women’s Expo at the Vodafone Arena, Suva, on November 21, 2023. Photo: Ronald Kumar
The long journey from her Nasolo home in Bua Province, Vanua Levu, didn’t deter Asinate Vakaraira from participating at the National Women Expo.
Despite travelling from a rural setting and raising a young family, Ms Vakaraira is proud to be the only artisan chosen from her clan to represent her village.
She said handling her business and trying to nurture four children was not an easy task, but with able support from her husband she boldly managed her challenges.
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She was able to display something different that captured the attention of many when the expo opened yesterday.
“Making crafts out of trash was something I pursued while every other woman was weaving mats,” Ms Vakaraira said.
“Making crafts out of plastics bottles was something unique that gave a fresh perspective that not everything belongs in a trash can, but can generate money.”
She always dreamt of displaying her crafts on a national level.
“While setting up my table I noticed how rich our cultures are and how women can do so many things with little,” Ms Vakaraira said.
“For the next three days my mission is to learn from other women on how to craft our way to become better versions of ourselves.”
Ms Vakaraira said women have broken the shackles that bind them from negative cultural traditions and practices.
“Women exposed to such a forum which allows them to express them in art, craft and earn cash at the same time,” she said.
“I’m blessed to be here not only to learn, but to grow also.”
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