Women Empowered to Help Save Mangroves in Rewa and Tailevu Delta's
A group of women from coastal villages in Tailevu and Rewa have acquired new skills that will not only support their families but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
In early September, 60 women participated in a week-long training session in Naivakacau Village, Tailevu. They were taught jewellery making, fabric art and screen printing as part of an International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) project aimed at restoring mangrove forests damaged by cyclones.
The initiative, supported by the Japanese Government is a collaboration between the Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation and ITTO. It seeks to empower women through skill development while addressing environmental challenges.
This project is part of a larger effort to restore mangrove ecosystems in the Rewa Delta while creating sustainable opportunities for women in coastal communities.
During the training, the women learned how to transform their creativity into marketable products, enabling them to generate income. These new skills offer them an opportunity to support their households and enhance their communities' well-being.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Ministry of Forestry’s Assistant Director Operations for the Central Eastern Division, Ms. Kesaia Ravia emphasized the connection between creative skills and environmental conservation.
“This training is special because of its environmental focus. Mangrove forests play a critical role in protecting coastlines and supporting diverse ecosystems,” Ms. Ravia said.
She added that the newly acquired skills, particularly in screen printing and jewellery making, could also be used to raise awareness about mangrove conservation.
“Many of the materials and techniques used in this training are eco-friendly, helping to minimize waste and further protect nature,” Ms. Ravia said.
Beyond skill-building, the training fostered collaboration and camaraderie among the participants. Women from different villages shared ideas and formed a support network that will extend beyond the program.
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