"Swimming in the Rewa River for sea-mussels to sell at the market to earn a living for my family will now be a thing of the past".

These are sentiments echoed by Jiulia Druma of Navuso village in Naitasiri as we mark International Rural Women's Day.

Druma said that most of the time, rural women are neglected in terms of development, however with the assistance from Government, they have been able to utilise their sewing knowledge they have, to sew pillow cases, quilts, clothes and cushion covers, which they sell to generate income.

Navua housewife, Sangeeta Kumar, who is part of a 15-member group of women, said they cook and sell chutney, jams and even sew household items, and the money they get they distribute it amongst the group.

Minister for Women, Dr. Jiko Luveni while opening the International Rural Women's Day Celebrations in Nausori today, challenged the women to try to look beyond the four walls of their homes and utilise the skills they have to generate their own income.

Dr Luveni added that after looking at the items that were displayed in the stalls, it was evident that rural women were putting to good use the sewing machines that were donated by Government.

The celebration will end tomorrow.


Story by: Selina Navuso