Here Are The Women Adi Waqaitoga, 77 - …...Here Are The Women – From our Divisional...

Here Are The Women – From our Divisional Consultations in January, 2016

1

Adi Waqaitoga, 77 Macuata: Lagi Women’s Group President

Due to poor road conditions leading to the Lagi area, the cost of travel is

expensive by road. Adi Waqaitoga sees that buses don’t service the area, the only form of road transport are the carriers – this is what she wants to

see change for the community she lives in.

Adimaketalena, 54 Macuata: Naleba Multiracial Women’s Group President

Naleba is a huge community and most has been hit hard by the extended dry spell. Adimaketalena shared that while times were tough, neighbours

shared water with those who had none in times of need. At the same time, the high cost of transport and chicken feed made running the

groups’ income generating project difficult at times.

Agu Tuinasau, 27 Lautoka: PRAN (Pacific Rainbow Advocacy Network)

Agu wants to see discrimination against women, including transwomen

and other members of the LGBT community, come to an end – in particular in the justice system. Agu wants to see a Fiji where everyone is

protected no matter their SOGIE.

Alecy Amua, 31 Lautoka: Vakatora Women’s Club

Concerned about the safety of children in her community, Alecy wants there to be improved infrastructure including proper crossings and bus

shelters to ensure that travelling to and from school isn’t a perilous journey for the little ones.

Alena Gavidi, 37 Macuata: Vunicuicui Multiracial Women’s Club Secretary

Given her community is primarily farmers, and sugarcane farmers at that,

Alena wants to see the condition of the road that connects Vunicuicui to the town and mill to be addressed. A gravel road with steep inclines, the

road is not safe and she would like to see consideration given for an important player in our nation’s economy.

Alitia Navoli, 43 Sigatoka: Nadrela Women’s Club member

As an older woman in her community, she sees a lot of the caregiving

responsibility falling on grandmothers as the number of single mother’s rise. She wants there to be more awareness so this issue is addressed

sooner rather than later.


2

Amacy Antonio, 23 Suva: Haus of Khameleon

Amacy wants young people to be able to access the training and support they need – including for young women in all their diversities. She wants this to prevent bullying and violence that leads to suicide, especially for

the marginalised communities in Fiji.

Amelia Solevu, 36 Navua: Vunimasi Women’s Group member

Amelia is concerned about how her community’s expression of their faith

has led to women feeling excluded from community activities, including weekly church services. Women are left with no choice but to sit on the

floor and she feels this is unjust.

Amelia Utovou, 69 Suva: Nabua SSVM Office Clerk

Coming from the capital, Amelia knows through her networks the

challenges women face in accessing transport. She wants to see the condition of roads addressed, as well as jetties – to ensure that whether

people travel by road or sea, there is somewhere safe to start and end your journey.

Amra Wati, 50 Macuata: Labasa Market Vendors Association Committee President

A widow herself, Amra knows the hardships of being a woman supporting

her family. She sees the Labasa market fundamentally run by women – approximately 90% - and feels that the cost of the stalls is too high. She

wants to see the stall fees re-examined to ensure that those that depend on their profits of the day actually have something to take home.

Ana Koroi, 42 Macuata: Mali – Vesi Group Secretary

Sea level rise is not just seeing the beaches get closer or disappear – Ana

has already seen the rising tide destroy voivoi (pandanus) and food plantations, not to mention making sources of drinking water salty as

well.


3

Ana Prasad, 33 Nausori: Ebenezer Women’s Group Ministry Secretary

Ana wants to see better medical services – services that are timely, friendly and medical centres that are well stocked, not to mention

accessible health centres to ensure that undue cost does not deter women and the community for seeking better health.

Anaite Sivoi, 39 Macuata: Naleba Multiracial Women’s Group Treasurer

Anaite worries for the children of her community knowing that the cost of

raising them is rising day by day. From the costs associated with getting them to school and putting good, healthy food on the table for everyone

– things are not easy to manage. She wants there to be dialogue and discussion to find ways to address this issue.

Anaseini Cavuilagi, 37 Macuata: Lagi Women’s Group member

The extended dry spell, logging and deforestation were all issues weighing

on Anaseini’s mind as she sees water become scarcer in her community. She also worries for those who travel to Lagi for health treatment to find

themselves also affected by the lack of water.

Anaseini Naicobo, 23 Navua: Naboutini Youth Group member and FemLINKPACIFIC Producer

Broadcaster

Anaseini knows that violence against women is an issue across Fiji and the world. She wants to see better support for survivors of violence –

financially, socially and psychologically.

Anita Devi, 31 Nadi: Wailoaloa Women’s Club Treasurer

Anita sees rubbish as a huge problem for her community – because of

improper disposal and untimely collection of rubbish. She is worried about this because it leads to blocked drains and flooding following

continuous downpours of rain.

Anjani Lata, 37 Macuata: Vunicuicui Multiracial Women’s Club member

Due to the poor road conditions to her village and back, some have lost

their lives and others struggle on a daily basis to attend work, school and take goods to the market safety. Given this impacts particularly on

sugarcane farmers, Anjani wants to see genuine investment to aid those that support an integral aspect of our culture and economy.


4

Aonira Taboia, 32 Rabi: Buakonikai Women’s Group Secretary and Nurse

Because of a lack of transportation and poor road conditions, Aonira is

concerned about the ability to access health services, employment, education and social security services. She feels that the transportation and roads need to be improved – but that decentralising services would

be far more valuable for the people of her community.

Aruna Devi, 53 Nasinu: Nasinu Naari Shakti Mothers Club member and Cultural

Coordinator of Nasinu Naari Sabha

Aruna wants a cleaner community – clear drains and cut grass to ensure that families are not worried about mosquito borne diseases or flooding

as they live their lives on a daily basis.

Asela Bavadra, 50 Lautoka: SSVM Vuda

Women’s health is vital to the overall health of a country – life givers and

caretakers of house, home and community. Asela wants there to be more health centres so women don’t need to travel far given the poor

infrastructure many face.

Ashna Lata, 26 Navua: Nakaulevu Devi Madir Women’s Club member

Ashna is concerned about the state of drainage in her community as

climate change brings unseasonal weather, including heavy rains that damages and affects school children and workers. She wants this addressed by the local governance structures in a timely manner.

Asinate Levu, 71 Cakaudrove: Tawake Women’s Group President

While there are elders in Tawake that have access to social welfare,

Asinate says the $50 afforded to them is not enough – especially given that travelling to Labasa town costs more than $100 for a return trip. This

is something she wants to see change to help support her community.

Asinate Lewa, 74 Sigatoka: Votualailai Women’s Club

Asinate is part of efforts to fundraising in her community. While the women are not able to attend to in-community trainings until after

attending to housework, she sees this as a valuable avenue to support their family’s food security.


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Asinate Vika,46 Macuata: Dogotuki – Vitinavou Women’s Club President

When it rains, poor roads become impassable hurdles – children cannot

go to school, vendors cannot get to markets and no matter how sick one might be, you won’t be making it to the health centre. Vika wants to see

this changed.

Bireta Tekoro, 50 Rabi: Buakonikai Women’s Group Treasurer

Without proper electricity, and generations that have been out of

commission for more than 5 years, Bireta is concerned about the impact on the studies of the young people and the chores of the women in the

community. While the issue has been raised, they community is still waiting for the changes to occur.

Bonita Qio, 30 Lautoka: PRAN (Pacific Rainbow Advocacy Network)

Seeing poor representation of the LGBT community in the mainstream

media, Bonita wants to see the Gender Policy fully embraced alongside the protection and recognition of the community as promised in the

Constitution.

Bulu Ratu, 64 Nausori: Draumakita Mother’s Club President

Infrastructure is Bulu’s primary concerns – she believes that better roads

and drainage would not only provide a safer and more accessible environment but also to ensure that while employment may remain, that

crops would not be destroyed by flooding to ensure food security.

Cynda Tinai, 24 Lami: Matanisivaru Women’s Group member

From Lami, Cynda is concerned about the environment surrounding the

area – with drainage of particular concern. She wants the town council to be more responsive to the needs of communities, including women, and

to take the appropriate actions.

Deepshika Raj, 17 Macuata: Vunimoli Arya Mahila Mandel member

Concerned about poor road conditions, Deepshika wants to live in a

community where children don’t have to cross rivers to attend school. She also wants to see better infrastructure that would support a tourism industry that would provide jobs and thus income to better support the

families in her community.


6

Disavu Daugunu, 58 Cakaudrove: Tawale Women’s Group Secretary

Concerned about the costs of travel, Disavu wants a better road

connecting Tawake to the rest of Vanua Levu. At the moment, boat fare including for emergency cases being rushed to the Labasa Hospital,

ranges from $50 one way to $200.

Elena Naiyasi, 60 Ba: Catholic Women’s League President

She sees women unsure of themselves and unable to come out of their

comfort zones to speak their minds – Elena wants there to be more opportunities for women to be empowered to change this.

Eleni Labalaba, 47 Nadi: CMF Women’s Club

Eleni would like to see the women of her community more empowered to

be able to speak their mind as well as come together to create income generation opportunities. This, according to Eleni, means a need for a

resource centre.

Elina Mamao, 45 Ba: Sisters Keepers member

In Elina’s community, there are many single mothers and widows who are

not able to leave their children alone at home to work. She wants to see more opportunities for women to be able to make a living from their

homes and communities.

Ema Qaqa, 63 SSVM/ Tilivalevu President

Good infrastructure is key and Ema knows this. She has seen her whole

married life women struggling to get to the hospital 140km away to deliver, children struggling to school – this is what she wants to see

changed.

Esita Waqa, 47 Tavua: Senijale Women’s Club President

Living in the same community for more than 20 years, Esita is concerned

about the state of infrastructure. Poor roads, a lack of electricity and poor water supply, she raises her voice because she wants a different situation

for her children.


7

Eta Tuvuki, 37 Rakiraki: SSVM/ Buretu Women’s Club

Concerned about the high rate of domestic violence as well as an

overwhelming silence about it, Eta wants to see more opportunities for the women of her community to be empowered to raise this issue

themselves.

Filomena Koroi, 70 Nausori: Dilkusha Methodist Church Senior Circuit Steward

Filomena wants to see the children of Fiji better protected – with them

able to live their childhoods freely and safely. She also wants to see better services for survivors of child abuse in all its forms with proper, specific

services to help survivors.

Harash Wati, 40 Macuata: Naleba Multiracial Women’s Group Project Assistant

For Harash, the dry spell affected the water supplies in the community,

including the wells. She is frustrated and wants to see a change as everyone needs water to live – to cope, the members of the community have to carry water from far away sources, taking up valuable time in a

woman’s day.

Inise Adikuila, 63 Lautoka: Ba SSVM Secretary

Living in a coastal village, she has seen her community threatened by the

ever rising sea levels. Following TC Ula in particular, Inise’s community saw the ocean enter their homes – with the women left with cleaning up

after the cyclone.

Inise Dawai, 62 Nadi: Sikituru Tikina Women’s Club Treasurer

While concerned about the state of the roads across the country, Inise was happy to see the sheer amount of money that should be going to

improve the roads. She also wants there to be recognition of the work women do for their communities.

Jaimati, 58 Tavua: Vuqele Multiracial Women’s Club President

An ongoing issue is something that Jaimati is concerned about – land lease expiry - hitting the core of our local economy hard, the farming

community. As a widow, the stress over her lease puts additional pressure on her livelihood and overall security.


8

Jashnita Reddy, 24 Ba: Moto Youth Group member

As part of her youth group activities, Jashnita carries out awareness about

health, including backyard gardening. She believes the gardens are good to combat NCDs as well as help minimising household expenses.

Joelle Margaret, 36 Bua: Entrepreneur and Women’s Groups member

Joelle connects with several women’s groups in the Bua area and has

seen the extended dry spell affect their access to water. She wants to see this issue addressed for the sake of the health of the women as well as

the wider communities she connects with on a regular basis.

Jojiana Waqanitoga, 23 Macuata: Lagi Young Women’s Group member

Poor roads mean expensive transport and for women like Jojiana, you’re

not just paying to transport yourself – costs rise if you’re moving produce, bringing home firewood or transporting fuel. She is not happy that this

burden falls on the people of her community.

Julie Adivuvutaki Waqa, 55 Macuata: Vunicuicui Multiracial Women’s Club President

Living in Vuncuicui comes with its perks – a natural beauty wherever you look and great women – yet the road to the community that connects it to the town centre is hazardous and Julie wants to see a better road for

the safety of her community and those after it.

Kala Wati, 48 Macuata: Naleba Multiracial Women’s Group member

While financing options are available for fees where they aren’t free, Kala worries for her daughter who she cannot afford to send to school. Due to the cost of living and few income generating opportunities for her family,

all she could do at the time was hope for a scholarship to support her daughter’s education.

Kala Wati, 56 Nadi: Navakai Multiracial Women’s Club Vice President

Kala wants there to be clear information about and access to land – this

would enable farmers, including women farmers, access, protect and maintain livelihoods that depend on reliable access to land.


9

Kalesita Vakamosiyalo, 27 Ba: Badrau/Clopcott Youth

Kalesita sees many young people in her community without jobs. She

feels that whether it is the government or civil society, there is a great need for training and opportunities to be made available or well-known

to alleviate the issue.

Kamla Lajendra, 67 Tavua: Tavua Nari Sabha President

For Kamla, she was happy to be part of the consultation because it gave

her the opportunity to garner the information she needed to start an income generating project to be able to support children from poorer

families to get to school.

Kamla Wati, 70 Navua: Nakaulevu Devi Madir Women’s Club President

Kamla’s message is simple – for men and women to live together in

peace.

Keasi Lakoenalagilagi, 28 Lami: Delainavesi Women’s Group member

An expectant mother, Keasi wants better health services for women like her – she is particularly concerned about how many nurses and doctors

seem to be in the country – with many health centres and public hospitals clearly understaffed.

Kinisimere Saratibau, 24 Suva: Methodist Church Fiji and Rotuma Communications Department

Many commitments have been made to women’s equality – from CEDAW

to the National Gender Policy. Kini wants to see this translate from parliament to the home – that men and women are equal partners in

decision making.


10

Kushma Singh, 53 Macuata: Wailevu Arya Mahila Mandel Secretary

Seeing a large drain nearby a children’s park, Kushma wants there to be a

fence so that they children can play without mothers worrying for the safety of their little ones – specifically assuring peace of mind that they

won’t fall into a large drain and get hurt.

Laisa Rokovu, 62 Navua: SSVM Vunimosi Board Member

In the Central Division, the weather changes several times a day. Laisa is

concerned that there aren’t bus shelters along the roads in her community – leaving the general public at the mercy of the elements,

including in times of travel to health centres.

Laitipa Tagimuri, 49 Cakaudrove: Dromuninuku Women’s Group President

As the needs of students change, Laitipa is worried about the young ones of her community struggling to keep up without electricity in their homes

in this ever digitising world. At the same time, lack of light also hampers women’s abilities to weave at night to make mats to sell to support their

families.

Latileta Natuna, 47 Navua: SSVM Serua

Letileta and her community want clean water. Supplied to their area via

underwater pipes, it is salty during high tides and dirty when it rains a little too heavily because of the dam-induced soil erosion. Everyone

deserves safe, clean drinking water and it’s something she is adamant about.

Lidia Waiqalicaki, 61 Nausori: Nausori Catholic Women’s League President

Lidia has been adamant about the safety that streetlights provide since

her early days as part of the network. She maintains that women deserve to live in a safe environment and be able to attend group meetings, travel

home from work and school.


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Litea Ledua, 39 Macuata: Bulileka Young Mother’s Club Assistant President

Litea knows that education is an invaluable investment in anyone’s life –

yet she is concerned that many of the students in her community are dropping out and thus unable to get work. She wants to see this issue being addressed – supporting those who have left and preventing an

increase in school leavers.

Losana Cakausese, 58 Ba: Badrau Multiracial Women’s Club

A lack of medicines at health centres is nothing new nor something only

relevant to Ba. Losana sees this happening in her community and worries for the families that cannot afford travel to pharmacies let alone

medicines.

Louisa Lewanavanua, 53 Nasinu: Savutalele Women’s Club/ Dorcas Society member

Lousia wants communities to be well planned and well organised –

especially ensuring good sanitation to prevent skin and other diseases. She is disheartened to see communities that continue to burn or just

dump rubbish and continue to use pit toilets.

Luisa Loma, 26 Lautoka: Vakatora Youth Club

Luisa sees unemployment, especially for women, as a product of

unplanned pregnancies causing women to drop out of studies. She wants there to be more awareness to address this ongoing issue.

Luisa Yalobula, 38 Macuata: Bulileka Women’s Group President

Seeing the numbers of school drop outs rise in her community, Luisa

wants there to be more opportunities for these young drop outs – this could include farming the land – to ensure that they don’t feel isolated

from society and continue to contribute and further develop themselves as individuals.

Lusia Leo, 33 Navua: Methodist Women’s Fellowship Vice President

Seeing children having to be turned away from nearby schools because of

student number restrictions, Lusia wants there to be a survey to gauge the real number of students who need to be catered for in the area so the

planning for any potential new schools are well informed.


12

Maitri Sharma, 56 Ba: Naari Sabha Secretary

Seeing the rising numbers of child abuse, Maitri believes that the whole

community needs to come together to address the problem, including supporting children from families with both their parents working so they

aren’t alone.

Makelesi Vakanakoro, 27 Suva: United Blind Persons and FemLINKPACIFIC Producer Broadcaster

A single mother, Makelesi wants equal opportunity in employment. Personally faced with the challenge herself, she knows that despite

promises, much is still left to be done to ensure equality for women with disabilities.

Manjula Devi, 56 Nausori: Korociriciri Mother’s Club President

Frustrated by the burden of house and home on women, Majula also

wants to see drainage addressed – not only for the threat it poses directly due to flooding, but also the overall environmental health as standing

water creates prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Mareta Tagivakatini, 50 Macuata: Labasa Market Vendors Association Assistant Secretary

Whether it’s the fumes from the boats that bring produce from other

parts of Vanua Levu, the dust that infiltrates the stalls or the fishy odour that pervades the market, Mareta wants to see things change. She wants

a better, more hygienic market for the 700 and more that depend on it for their livelihoods.

Maria Rusaqoli, 36 Lami: Valenicina Women's Club

Due to only a single bus company operating in the Lami area, Maria is just

one of the many concerned mothers – concerned about their children’s access to schools. Due to poor service, the children are often late to

school and punished by the schools for something out of their control.

Melaia Sogolele, 37 Macuata: Nubu Women’s Group member

While her community has no electricity, Melaia is frustrated that despite

fundraising and paying for solar energy systems to be supplied to the community, nothing has come in over two years. She wants accountability

for this lack of progress.


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Mere Gunuivei, 49 Macuata: Nubu Women’s Group member

Living in Nubu, nights are spent in darkness or dimly lit by a kerosene

lamp that is sometimes too expensive to fill. Mere worries for the children who crowd around these lanterns in an attempt to study and

would like to see electricity be made available for those in Nubu.

Mereani Nawadra, 26 Suva: Methodist Church Fiji and Rotuma Communications Department

Mereani wants to see gender equality fully integrated into the church as

an institution – she sees this issue being talked about but wants to see results from the youth groups up to the church leaders.

Mereia Tabuvale, 35 Macuata: Bulileka Women’s Group member

Mereia sees unemployment as a huge issue for her community. She sees the root cause of this being dropping out and school and worries for the

impacts a lack of work can have – such as increased crime rates. She also feels deeply the onset effects of the rising cost of living and market space

on women themselves and wants this addressed.

Merelesita Tikoenamena, 28 Macuata: Naqai Women’s Club Secretary

Living with a deep connection to the sea so nearby the village, Merelesita

is concerned that livelihoods can no longer be supposed by it because of a high birth rate. At the same time, floods spoil the voivoi (pandanus) that

the women weave with, ruining back up income for the community’s growing numbers.

Merenai Vatege, 21 Tavua: Tavualevu Youth Group member

As she sees her peers graduate high school and university, she notes just

how frustrated and disheartened they are as unemployment rises. For Merenai, employment opportunities are something she wants to see

increase for the youth of Tavua.

Meresiana Tuikilakila, 29 Lautoka: CMF Women’s Ministry

As a young woman, x is concerned about the rise in unemployment that

seems far too common among her peers. She wants to see more job opportunities and training to address the problem.


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Merewairita Nasiri, 39 Nausori: Vatani Mother’s Club member

Merewairita wants water – plain and simple. Decades without it has left

the women of her community with vaginal infections and daily threatens the health of the whole community without access to drinking water or

water to bathe with.

Miki Wali, 25 Suva: Haus of Khameleon and FemLINKPACIFIC Producer Broadcaster

Gender mainstreaming is a term used often, yet often does not fully

embrace the entire spectrum. Miki wants all decision making levels to be sensitized to ensure that systematic violence against the LGBTIQ comes to

an end.

Misbah Harun, 18 Nadi: Soroptomost International Nadi

Women’s empowerment is key to enable half the country to be politically engaged. Misbah believes that education for women is key to making this

change and ensuring women can take part in the changing political culture of Fiji.

Moala Nasabo, 59 Nasinu: Nadera Catholic Women’s League Treasurer

Moala wants better infrastructure for her community and the rest of the

Suva-Nausori corridor. While footpaths, streetlights and bus shelters may not seem like much on their own, they are key to ensure that travel for

all, especially women and young women, is safe.

Mona Prasad, 35 Navua: TISI Sangam Navua

Mona wants better roads for the people of Navua – knowing that with

poor road conditions comes more expensive travel costs and well as safety risks. Additionally, given a significant allocation for roads in 2016,

she hopes change will come soon for the roads of Navua.


15

Nanise Cakau, 65 Nausori: Nausori SSVM President

Also President for the community health workers of Tailevu South, Nanise

insists health workers like her need to be financially supported – due to the distance for many communities from health centres, they are first

responders having to work out of their own pockets.

Nanise Ceyaqalo, 46 Macuata: Dogotuki - Vitinavou Women’s Club member

All her life, Nanise has never known an easy ride into town from her

village. Without a tar sealed road, wet conditions mean danger and cut off the community from markets. In some cases, people have to travel on foot with their wares to the main road to catch a bus to town as a carrier

costs $200 one way.

Nila Rao, 50 Rakiraki: Sangam Women’s Club Vice President

Also an advisory councillor for the area, Nila wants to see the health

centres and hospitals improve. She sees the burden of cost due to a lack of medical supplies on those who are poorest and feels deeply that this

needs to be addressed.

Nirmala Sharma, 42 Macuata: Vunicuicui Multiracial Women’s Club Project Manager

On the way to and from Vunicuicui, one has to navigate steep gravel

roads that impact the school children, farmers and wider community. Nirmala wants this to be addressed as not only have some lost their lives

to the treacherous road, but it also floods constantly.

Olivia Mellisa, 25 Nasinu: Pacific Students for Christ (SUIS) – National Youth Council of Fiji –

member

As a young woman, Olivia wants to see her generation succedd – to do so, she believes, that education should empower young people to be

involved in decision making and make the right decisions for their own lives.

Paulina Nacagilevu, 56 Sigatoka: SSVM

Women create, they plant and farm – yet all their attempts to sell are thwarted by poor infrastructure. For Paulina, having a resource centre

and better roads would enable women to financially support their families better.


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Pritika Gounder, 30 Rakiraki: Wairuku Mother’s Sangam Club member

Free medical schemes have not had the desired effect in some areas, according to Pritika. Many see their health centres run short, leaving

many to pay for drugs out of pocket that they can’t afford. This is something she want to see change.

Pritika Sen, 34 Tavua: United Multiracial Women’s Club Secretary

Water is life and Pritika could stress this enough – living in Vatukoula Back

Road, the dry spell hit hard and the community is trying to cope. She wants to see relief come to the area as well as better adaptation

measures to the dry conditions.

Pushpa Manu, 51 Nausori: Akriti Mother’s Club President

Pushpa wants to see better drainage for the flood prone communities in Nausori to ensure that women are able to maintain backyard gardens to

feed their families fresh, healthy foods – her community has already started to maintain the drains but the issue is bigger than their own.

Raheela Khan, 42 Nadi: Soroptomist International Nadi Treasurer

Seeing the changes in the education system, Raheela is concerned they

are too fast and happening without wide consultation. She is concerned that this will affect the student’s future as they seek higher education

elsewhere.

Rajini Kumar, 55 Suva: WINET Fiji Secretary

Rajini believes that the proactive approaches to suicide prevention need

to be better informed, with the appropriate training provided to those involved not to address the issue directly, but also take into account the

stigma and discrimination associated with it.

Rajini Raj, 22 Navua: TISI Sangam Navua

Rajini is a young woman currently studying to complete her degree. She

feels deep concern for Navua and its vulnerability to floods – primarily due to poor drainage. An issue that influenced the location of the area’s

hospital, she wants to see real change to address the issue.


17

Rattan Chandra, 62 Navua: Nakaulevu Devi Madir Women’s Club member

Rattan is concerned about health services – with a particular focus on

‘service’. She has experienced far too often flippant treatment by medical staff and wants to see not just the conditions of health centres to

improve, but attitudes as well.

Rita Chandra, 54 Suva: Soroptomist International Suva President Elect

Housing is a major issue – from affording rent to finding somewhere to live. For women in HART homes, Rita wants the conditions to be up to standard – for the kitchens and other facilities – to ensure the women

needing support get well taken care of.

Rosemary Pahgaru, 62 Suva: Soroptomist International Suva member

For Rosemary, flooding in the heavily populated areas of Suva is her

concern. She wants the issue of poor drainage to be addressed so that flooding incidence is reduced and thus does not interfere with attending

work, school or the public’s health.

Ruci Adicabenalotu, 39 Tavua: Tavua Market Vendors Association member

A vendor herself, Ruci finds that the Tavua market is not well enough equipped to deal with the sheer volume of those seeking a source of

income. She wants to see the market develop to meet the needs of the vendors that depend on it.

Ruci Serai, 52 Sigatoka: SSVM

She worries for the children of her community – Ruci sees the poor

condition of the roads and wants this to change to ensure better access to schools for the next generation of leaders in her community.

Saarrah Khan, 18 Nadi: Soroptomist International Nadi

Saarrah is deeply concerned by the rates of domestic violence in her

community and across the country. She believes community engagement and education, including of men, is instrumental in bringing this plague to

an end.


18

Salaseini, 19 Rakiraki: Burenitu Youth

Concerned about unemployment, Salaseini sees the issue being felt

heavily by school drop outs. She wants a commitment not just to vocational centres and training, but also opportunities for those who seek

it to be absorbed into the workforce.

Saloma Raqiyawa, 37 Rakiraki: Nalawa Women’s Club member

As times change, pretty fast one might add, Saloma worries about the

state of her community’s children as well as her own. Without electricity, the children fall behind on studying and assignments. She wants this to

change.

Salote Nasovu, 51 Nadi: Tubenasolo Women’s Club President

Salote feels very disconnected from the main town centre – she called on

the state of the roads, the availability of water and the inclusion of women in decision making to all be addressed in a timely manner.

Salusalu Cama, 50 Navua: Vunimasi Women’s Group member

In Salusalu’s community, the roads are potholed and bare gravel that are too narrow for most vehicles. An issue for more than 20 years, she wants

to see a road reach her community that is able to bring transport so children don’t have to walk to school or others to health centres.

Saniana Tinai, 48 Ba: Ba Women’s Forum member

Saniana wants to see more support for women, especially those who live

in dire poverty. She believes more income generating opportunities for these women will enable them send their children to school and improve

their living conditions

Saras Singh, 59 Tavua: Ganesh Mother’s Club President

Saras is concerned about roads and drainage – she believes in the

importance of raising one’s voice for the situation to change and wants to see a Tavua with tar sealed roads and good drainage in the next few

years.


19

Sarita Lal, 45 Macuata: Naleba Multiracial Women’s Group member

Living without electricity is not easy. Sarita shares she cannot access as

much information as she would like and she cannot attend to housework in the dark – the issue is compounded by the high cost of kerosene. She

wants electricity so life is easier for a woman with often such a busy day.

Sarojini Gounder, 51 Tavua: Advisory Councillor

While trying to do her part to help the women of Tavua, Sarojini herself

appears frustrated with the pace of responses. Yet her leadership to help the Lumulumu community get water puts her leadership on show as she

remains determined.

Sashi Mani, 38 Suva: TISI Sangam Suva

From the main hospital in the capital to the health centres around it,

medicine always seems to be unavailable. Sashi wants to see the budget allocation for the Ministry of Health to be used properly so that people don’t have to be turned away or simply handed Panadol when they’re

sick.

Satya Kumar, 54 Nadi: Naari Sabha Women’s Club

Given the most recent VAT changes, Satya is concerned about the rise in the cost of food items. The removal of VAT exempt items has meant that

many pantry staples for poorer families are now no longer affordable.

Selai Adimaitoga, 57 Tavua: Makosoi Women’s Club President

With the community at heart, Selai raised concerns about the provision of electricity, job security, poor drainage and access to water. Development is interlinked and Selai called for change, especially to empower the next

generation.

Selai Didabe, 35 Macuata: Naleba Multiracial Women’s Group Secretary

The rivers are dry and the wells are empty – Naleba number 17 hasn’t had

the easiest time since the extended dry spell. Selai wants there to be more relief for the area to ensure access to water is assured as well as

proper management or planning to prevent the same issue from happening again.


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Sera Naiqama, 21 Macuata: Vunicuicui Multiracial Women’s Club member

As a young mother, Sera wants there to be a good road connecting her

home and the health centres and hospitals. In its current state, the Vunicuicui road cannot be travelled if it rains – affecting her ability, and the ability of other mothers, to take their children for regular check-ups

or visits when issues arise.

Sera Tasinari, 36 Lami: Naivikinikini Women’s Club

Also concerned about the bus services, Sera is primarily wary of the safety

of her children given that the buses no longer follow old routes – leaving children to wait without shelter, traversing roads without designated

crossings and having to navigate around large drains.

Sera Waqalevu, 45 Macuata: Naqai Women’s Group member

Living in a low lying area close to the Labasa river, Sera is concerned

about the state of drainage in her community. Housing more than 300, the community fears flooding whenever it rains – just near the town, she

wants to see the issue addressed for the safety of the community.

Sereima Damuni, 37 Suva: Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality and FemLINKPACIFIC

Producer Broadcaster

Sereima wants to see gender equality translate to sports funding – women in sports often get the sort end of the stick when it comes to

finance and this is what Sereima wants to see change.

Sereima Lutumailagi, 72 Nadi: Namotomoto Women’s Club President

The river that runs through Nadi right by her village is Sereima’s main

concern. Not only does it flood far too often, but being of the waste from the Navakai Treatment Plant, she is worried it is also a health risk for the

community.

Setareki Vurabere, 35 Nadi: Namaka Youth member, Ba Provincial Youth Council

Seeing women around him upskilling from simple access to information, Setareki wants there to be continuous engagement in women as leaders so they can keep decision makers accountable to the promises they have

made to them.


21

Sharda Chandai, 63 Macuata: Vanua Levu Arya Mahila Mandel Priest

Sharda has an active sense of community and wants to find a way to help

a woman in her community – seeing the woman living alone in poverty and with no children to help her, Sharda wants to find a way to improve

the situation of her house like a proper water supply and bathroom.

Sheleni Lata, 41 Nausori: Sheetal Sharda Mother’s Club Secretary

Concerned about the crime rate in her community, Sheleni wants to see more prompt responses from the police to her area and others knowing

the issue is not isolated to her community. She also wants to see the members of the community play an active role.

Siteri Sekitoga, 42 Lautoka: Lomolomo Women’s Club

Siteri sees a significant number of unemployed youth in her community

and area. She feels like there should be options for welfare assistance for these unemployed youth so they can find their footing in life.

Suhaylah Harun, 20 Nadi: Soroptomist International Nadi

Suhaylah knows that while communities may pay their rates, services still

aren’t supplied in a timely manner. This includes garbage collection – which she is concerned causes a health risk when left to pile up near

homes and communities.

Sukun Lata Deo, 59 Macuata: Wailevu Arya Mahila Mandel Manager

Concerned for the children in her community, Sukun wants to see a

properly fenced playground for the peace of mind for the mothers of the area. She deeply believes in access to recreational areas for children to

ensure they have somewhere safe to play and enjoy themselves.

Suliana Buruavatu, 62 Sigatoka: Votua Women’s Club President

While the women of Suliana’s community are already working actively to create products to sell, there is still nowhere for them to go that is just a

place for them. She wants women to have place of their own to work.


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Suman Lata, 43 Macuata: Vunicuicui Multiracial Women’s Club Secretary

Many women from the Vunicuicui area attended our Northern Division

Consultation in January, and Suman’s concern matched many of those of her neighbours – the condition of the road impacts many areas of life and

she wants to see the issue addressed.

Sumat Chandra, 58 Macuata: Soroptomist International

Living in a community without a tar sealed road with many challenges –

aside from unsafe conditions when it rains or a high cost of transport because of the gravel roads, Sumat is additionally concerned for the

community who are left to be covered in and breathe dust as they find their way to school, work and town.

Sushil Gounder, 52 Rakiraki: Wairuku Mother’s Sangam Club Secretary

Also a market vendor, Sushil wants to see the market change for the

better to help the other vendors – this includes things like proper shelves, proper shelter and a separate area for the men who drink grog in the

market.

Sylvia Prasad Ali, 36 Ba: Namosau Methodist Church Pastor

Sylvia sees women eager to learn and overcome the rampant

employment in the Western Division that she feels comes from a lack of training opportunities. She believes skills like sewing, cooking and flower

arranging are good starting points.

Temaleti Sauka, 58 Lautoka: Nailaga Tikina

Temaleti believes that a greater sense of solidarity needs to be built

between women leaders and their communities – she wants to see social support evident, for women to work together to raise their issues and

concerns collectively.

Titaku Tabuariki, 56 Rabi: Buakonikai Women’s Group Treasurer

Titaki wants there to be more income generating opportunities to

alleviate the poverty she sees in the community, a side effect from the village’s isolation from the mainland and other surrounding villages, as

well as specifically increase the earning power of the women.


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Titilia Levu, 52 Cakaudrove: Tawake Women’s Group

In Titilia’s community, the main causes for concern are health, roads and

climate change. From a coastal community, the very place they live is constantly under threat and they feel disconnected given the poor road

conditions and a lack of access to medical facilities.

Unaisi Bakewa, 41 Tavua: Tavua Disabled People’s Association Vice President

Unaisi wants to see more social and economic support for persons living

with disabilities. She finds that too often they are left isolated without consideration or support to be able to live independent and fulfilling lives.

She wants this to change.

Unaisi Daugunu, 32 Cakaudrove: Tawake Young Women’s Group Secretary

With economic security high on the list of concerns for young women, Unaisi shared she wants to see more opportunities made accessible to

young women to start up and sustain income generating projects for themselves.

Unaisi Sela, 58 Bua: Vuya Women’s Club Secretary

Unaisi expressed her concern on the verge of a new school year – she

wants to see better transportation for the school going children and youth of her community who currently have to travel by truck that still

leaves them arriving to their classes late.

Urmila Kumar, 54 Tavua: Shakti Women’s Group President

Urmila’s concerns were two-fold. First, the most pressing issue was the

lack of water following the dry spell. The second was real cost of education being about more than just bus fare and books. She wants to

see changes for these trying realities.

Vani Tuvuki, 42 Ba: Koronubu Women’s Fellowship

Seeing the plight of farmer who work a 7 day work week, Vani believes

that transportation services, particularly buses, should be available everyday – including Sundays. Because of poor roads, alternative modes

of transport are too expensive.


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Vitorina Bruce, 32 Lami: Wailekutu Women’s Club Secretary

Vitorina has grown up in Wailekutu and with a bridge that floods

frequently – the flooding not only cuts off the community from nearby town, but also prevents children from getting to school and the

community accessing the nearest health centre.

Williama Swamy, 61 Nadi: TISI Sangam National President

Seeing that after 4 years, those affected by the 2012 floods in Nadi are

still trying to recover, Williama wants there to be urgent action taken to ensure that the Nadi river will not burst its banks unless serious

downpours occur.

Yashmin Khan, 50 Nadi: Malamala Al-Madina Women’s Club President

Due to the influences of mass and international media, Yashmin and her

community continue to experience Islamophobia from young, impressionable people. She wants to see community effort to prevent

this kind of discrimination.

Here Are The Women Adi Waqaitoga, 77 - …...Here Are The Women – From our Divisional...

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