Woman Chief Encourages Women To Serve God Faithfully

As a young girl Adi Taina Rau­vala was told that she had to prepare for a new chapter in her life to one day become the chief of Lauwaki Village in Lautoka.

The 62-year-old widow with six chil­dren was appointed village chief in 1998 and has been serving in her role ever since.

It has been 24 years now and she has been the third female chief.

The privilege to become chief was passed to her when her aunt, the for­mer village chief, passed away.

Being a female chief comes with its challenges, but through devotion and her family’s support Ms Rauvala was able to overcome hurdles over the past years.

Born into a chiefly family her humble upbringing prepared her for a lifetime responsibility.

She was 38 years old when she was ap­pointed Lauwaki Village chief.

“A clan at the village approached me three times and that was when I ac­cepted the responsibility because I was married and I had small children,” she said.

There are four clans in their tribe.

Her aim as the chief has been to bring about togetherness among her people.

“I want people to work together so that we are able to achieve anything,” she said.

Under her leadership as chief, Ms Rau­vala has accomplished many projects and has recently seen the full renova­tions of the Lauwaki Village Methodist Church and the community hall.

“My advice to other women is to serve God faithfully, because you will begin to achieve things,” she said.

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