West women lead in cane fields

With the 2025 sugarcane crushing season rolling, the Soqosoqo Vakamarama ni iTaukei (SSViT) ni Yasana ko Ba proudly shines a spotlight on the hardworking women of Nawaicoba, Nadi.

These women blazed through the fields challenging norms, driving change, and lifting their families and communities with every cane they cut.

“These women are stepping into a space dominated by men,” SSViT Ba president, Adi Sivia Qoro said yesterday.

“Their presence in the fields is a powerful reminder that no role is too hard, no space too far, and no dream out of reach when women lead with courage and heart,” she said.

“We salute every woman who rises early, works late, and carries her community forward.

“These women are not just harvesting cane - they are harvesting progress. They’re stepping into spaces dominated by men - agriculture, fisheries and taking the lead at home.”

“Vina du valevu (thank you very much) for your tireless contributions. This season, and every cane season we see you. We honour you.”

Ms Qoro added that SSViT Ba members are making a difference in various sectors.

“Climate Change, including riverbank and coastal rehabilitation, cattle, sheep and goat farming, agricultural products, and turmeric harvesting - conducting baselines and value chain analysis; our women are on it.”

Last week SSViT Ba was honoured to be part of a consultation with landowners from the tikina ‘o Viwa to discuss opportunities in pearl farming.

The talanoa session aimed to raise awareness about the potential of sustainable pearl farming as a source of livelihood for their communities.

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