Vunivutu's first female village headwoman reflects on breaking barriers

When Ranadi Raluna was asked to become Vunivutu Village's first female village headwoman, her first instinct was to say no.

Instead, the 64-year-old widow accepted the challenge — and went on to break barriers, earn her community's trust and help secure an evacuation centre that continues to protect villagers today.

Now a Justice of the Peace for Macuata Province, based at the Macuata Provincial Office, manager of Nadogo Central College and Mata ni Yau Bula, Ms Raluna says stepping into a leadership role traditionally held by men was one of the biggest decisions of her life.

Looking back, she remembers the uncertainty she felt when the village selected her to lead.

"I hesitated because I wondered how I could be responsible for all these people," she recalled.

"But I remembered this was God's calling for me, so I accepted it and gave it my all."

As village headwoman, Ms Raluna was responsible not only for the 43 households in Vunivutu Village but also five surrounding settlements, schools and health facilities.

As a mother of six and a widow, balancing family responsibilities with village leadership was not easy.

"There were times I had to look after my own family while also carrying the responsibility of the entire village."

Her appointment was also met with criticism from some who questioned whether a woman could lead.

"People said I wasn't good enough, but I was determined to prove them wrong."

She believes leadership is measured by commitment rather than gender.

"What a man can do, a woman can also do."

Among the achievements she is most proud of is securing about $21,000 through the Prime Minister's Fund to build an evacuation centre for Vunivutu Village.

"It showed me that if you work hard and remain committed, good things can happen for your community."

Ms Raluna's own path was shaped by perseverance.

She attended Vunivutu Primary School before continuing her education at Wariki District School, Adi Nunu Secondary School, Naleba Secondary School and later Sangam, where she completed Form Six.

Although financial hardship prevented her from pursuing tertiary education, she continued learning by attending workshops and community training programmes to strengthen her leadership skills.

Today, she remains actively involved in provincial committees and community organisations throughout Macuata.

"For me, leadership is about doing what I must do. My work is not wasted because people are watching, and I want my actions to encourage others."

She also rejects the idea that leadership positions are about status.

"Some people think these positions are just for show, but for me they come with responsibility. It is about proving the strength of women through action."

Even after stepping down as village headwoman, villagers continue to seek her advice.

"People still come to me because we built trust over the years. That trust means everything," Ms Raluna said.

She has always reminded her six children to remain connected to their roots.

"I always tell them not to forget where they came from. The village is where our values begin."

Her message to women considering leadership is simple.

"Don't limit yourself because of what society says. Believe in yourself because we all have the ability to make a difference," she said.