Editorial: The women who remind us what matters

Photos often tell stories that words cannot.

The front-page image in today's Fiji's Sun edition captures one such story — women in the sugarcane fields, cane knives in hand, helping to harvest the crop that has sustained generations of Fijians.

Their efforts deserve recognition.

These women have not set aside their responsibilities at home. They continue to care for their families, prepare meals, raise children and manage their households. Yet they have also stepped into work traditionally dominated by men because they understand what is at stake.

Every tonne of harvested cane represents income for farming families, wages for workers, business for rural communities and valuable export earnings for Fiji.

Their actions also send a timely message. In difficult times, Fiji needs people willing to step forward and contribute, not actions that hold back industries on which thousands depend.

That is why any move to disrupt the sugar harvest deserves careful consideration. Crippling the industry would hurt the very people who rely on it most. Farmers who have invested months of hard work under the scorching sun cannot afford to see their crops go unharvested because of industrial or political disputes.

Yesterday's agreement between the Government, the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the National Union of Workers, which allows about 700 Fiji Sugar Corporation employees to return to work, is welcome.

With the industrial dispute resolved, attention should now turn to harvesting cane and keeping the mills operating. Every day of crushing supports farmers, transport operators, mill workers, businesses and Fiji's export economy.

The timing is important.

Fiji continues to face economic uncertainty. While yesterday's reduction in fuel and LPG prices offers welcome relief, households and businesses are still dealing with high living costs and global economic pressures.

Alongside tourism, sugar remains one of Fiji's key export industries. A successful harvest strengthens foreign exchange earnings, supports rural livelihoods and contributes to national economic growth.

As Vanua Levu Cane Harvesters and Lorries Association general secretary Mohammed Rafiq said: "Many farmers are ready to harvest but are confused by attempts to disrupt their livelihoods."

Behind every cane field is a family meeting loan repayments, paying school fees and putting food on the table. Their livelihoods should not become casualties of wider disputes.

The women featured on today's front page have shown what resilience, commitment and community spirit look like. Their example reminds us that Fiji moves forward when people work together towards a common purpose.

At a time when unity is needed most, the sugar industry deserves support, stability and the opportunity to deliver another successful harvest.

Feedback: maikeli.vesikula@fijisun.com.fj