From solesolevaki to self-reliance, Saumakia women redefine resilience

Reaching Saumakia Village in the Naitasiri highlands is no simple drive.

Situated between the Wainimala and Wainisavulevu rivers, the journey involves a nearly two-hour bus ride, followed by a 10-minute punt crossing over the Wainimala River — a trip that reflects the everyday realities of life in this remote community.

For 42-year-old mother of five Vasemaca Mererai, resilience has become second nature.

As secretary of the Saumakia Women’s Club, she has witnessed firsthand how women in the village have transformed hardship into opportunity.

The women in this village are redefining resilience with the support of the Women’s Fund Fiji.

“In the village, the women’s club was established through solesolevaki, that’s before we were handed with grants. So it was formed and it progressed from its humble beginnings,” she said.

“We did things as women in the village, we stood together to make lives better and help each other.”

Saumakia Women’s Club secretary Vasemaca Mererai.

Photo: Supplied

Saumakia has long faced disruptions from climate change, with floods affecting farms and livelihoods. Recognising the need for change, the Saumakia Women’s Club sought support — eventually connecting with Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF).

“So one of our members knew someone who worked at the Women’s Fund Fiji. They started talking and the idea of receiving grants came about,” Ms Mererai said.

“When the fund by WFF came about for the group, our eyes opened up and we saw things from a larger perspective. Things we did not know, we were equipped to know.”

With support from WFF, the women received training in sewing, knitting, tie and dye, financial literacy and services through FCOSS. What began as skills training soon evolved into small businesses.

“We started receiving sewing and knitting training, tie and dye, financial literacy and FCOSS services, we were then encouraged to start our business from our sewing and tie and dye skills.”

The change was not only economic but social.

“Before women would also be sidelined and you know there was not much that would be entrusted to us in terms of village developments and all. After the various facilitated trainings and empowerment opportunities we received we started to be empowered and we stood on our two feet.”

Women in Saumakia, Naitasiri, are transforming their community with support from Women’s Fund Fiji.

Photo: Supplied

That empowerment translated into tangible contributions. As the village began building a new church, the women pledged $200 each.

“The women’s club stood on its own two feet and pledged that we would contribute $200 each – together we raised $21,000 to assist the men in the rebuilding of the village church.”

The grants also complemented village development projects, including a concrete footpath, river crossing improvements and a women’s nursery for seedlings.

Women are now exploring backyard gardening and running small businesses — operating canteens, selling fish and harvests from their nursery and farms.

“Through the grants from Women’s fund we have been able to create income generating projects that has really empowered the women in the village community.”

“To us, through the grants by WFF, we have been blessed.”

Today, the women are active contributors to village life, including supporting the local school and working alongside men on community projects.

“We are contributing positively to the development of the village school now, we are there to assist when the men are there or no. We are there to work.”

Their next goal is a water dam project — another step toward long-term resilience.

For Ms Mererai, the message to other women is simple but powerful.

“I think the most important advice to give is for women to work together, love each other and work together. Together we can achieve more.”

Women in Saumakia, Naitasiri, are transforming their community with support from Women’s Fund Fiji.

Photo: Supplied