Ra women seek funding support and market opportunities

Women in Ra Province say their contributions to the Vanua o Ra are often overlooked despite their significant role in supporting provincial activities and development initiatives.

Speaking during the Ra Provincial Council Meeting at Nanukuloa, Saivou, on Wednesday, Ra Province Women’s Association (Soqosoqo Vakamarama ni Yasana o Ra) president Sala Wong highlighted the challenges faced by women in the province.

Ms Wong was one of only two women seated among about 50 men at the meeting, while more than 30 women representatives from various districts were outside preparing breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea for participants.

She outlined several achievements of the women’s association, including a $5000 investment in a unit trust fund aimed at generating returns over the next five to 10 years.

Ms Wong said the association had completed a mini museum and resource centre at the provincial office, equipped with two bathrooms and three washrooms.

The facility was later expanded to include a kitchen where women can conduct baking and cooking activities to generate income.

Ra Province Women president, Sala Wong during the Ra Provincial Council Meeting at Nanukuloa, Saivou, Ra.

Photo: Mereleki Nai

According to Ms Wong, the museum was established to preserve the historical, cultural and traditional heritage of Ra Province.

Women in the province are also actively involved in weaving and handicraft businesses.

“We are asking the iTaukei Affairs Board to assist us in securing market opportunities where we can sell our products,” she said.

The association also operates a guest house at the provincial office to accommodate visitors attending meetings and events.

Looking ahead, Ms Wong said the group hopes to purchase land in Rakiraki Town to establish a service station and retail outlet once current leases expire in three years.

However, she expressed disappointment after a funding request to Uluda Holdings Limited, the commercial arm of the province, was declined.

The funding was intended to complete the women’s house located at the mini museum site.

“Our request was unsuccessful. Only the completion of the porch remains,” she said.

Ms Wong also highlighted the difficult conditions faced by women during annual provincial council meetings.

“Every provincial council meeting, you will see the women sitting in the hot sun preparing food for participants. The temporary shed does not accommodate everyone involved in food preparation,” she said.

“The breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea enjoyed by participants today were made possible through the sacrifices and hard work of these women.”

Despite the setback, she acknowledged the support received from non-governmental organisations, which have assisted with several of the association’s projects.

Ms Wong also called for increased funding for women’s services during annual provincial meetings, saying the $2000 allocation for the two-day event did not adequately cover food and operational costs.

Ra Provincial Council chairman Kiniviliame Salabogi acknowledged the concerns raised.

“I always say that the quality of their work reflects who they are. The decoration of this room, the arrangement of the tables, and the food and service they provide are all presented to a very high standard,” he said.

“It is important that their needs are addressed and that the concerns they have raised are considered.”

Several Mata ni Tikina also voiced their support, emphasising the need to assist women who continue to make sacrifices not only for the vanua but also for their families.

Meanwhile, Uluda Holdings Limited president Osea Cawaru said he had taken note of the issues raised and would review the matter.