At 84 years old, Teresia Taina embodies the values of dedication, resilience, and family love. Her frail face narrates a vibrant tale of a woman committed to supporting her loved ones and maintaining the traditions of village life.
Living in Navitilevu, in the Noikoro district, Ms. Taina has adapted to rural living since her marriage, raising her seven children alongside her late husband. Despite her age, she maintains an active lifestyle, awakening before dawn to tend to her family’s needs. She is seen collecting firewood, washing clothes by the river, and weaving mats—all daily tasks reflecting her deep-rooted connection to her family and community.
“I don’t like to sit idle and prefer to be active as it keeps me strong and healthy,” Ms. Taina explains. Her commitment to staying engaged in housework ensures that her family is well-fed and supported. She gathers firewood not far from home, plants cassava, and prepares pandanus leaves for weaving—activities that not only sustain her family but also honor her life’s work.
Washing clothes in the river is part of a cherished tradition. “Most of us are raised doing laundry by the river. It’s been our way of life, and we continue to do it even with modern conveniences,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of community and connection with nature.
Although weaving mats is an admired skill, Ms. Taina sees it as a sacred family obligation rather than a source of income. With the effects of aging, her output has changed, and she now weaves two mats every few months. “I have to be careful as I don’t want my health to be affected,” she notes, demonstrating her awareness of her physical limitations while continuing to honor her craft.
Surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren, Ms. Taina finds her greatest joy in spending time with loved ones and hopes to pass down the simple pleasures of village life to future generations. In a world often focused on rapid changes, her commitment to traditional values and community bonds emphasizes the importance of cherished memories and familial love.
Her gratitude for life shines through her words, as she expresses, “I’m grateful that I’ve lived a long life. Only God knows the time he will call me, so I must make the most of the days he has given.” Ms. Taina’s story is a poignant reminder of the strength found in relationships and the enduring spirit of dedication that defines the lives of many women in rural Fiji. As she navigates her later years, her legacy of love and resilience continues to inspire those around her.