Ra Naari Parishad, the Women’s Assembly of Ra in Fiji, is making impressive strides in empowering rural women in regions affected by drought. Comprising around 40 women of Fijian Indian descent, the group focuses on skills training, farming support, and peer learning to help members tackle the challenges brought on by resource scarcity and climate change.
A shining example of this empowerment is Suman Lati, a 49-year-old from Nanuku. Like many in her community, Suman relies on a nearby well for water, making her everyday life a challenge. Thanks to the Ra Naari Parishad and the backing of Women’s Fund Fiji, she has developed her backyard farming skills and received seeds and seedlings. This initiative enables her to maintain a small vegetable garden that not only secures food for her family but also generates a steady income. “Not only has it supported our food security, but we have managed to sell some of our produce, supporting us financially,” Suman proudly states.
Monthly meetings at their office in Rakiraki Town create a sense of community among the assembly members, who share stories that inspire hope and connection. “For me, the best part is hearing other women’s stories,” Suman reflects. “It reminds us that we matter too.” Many women involved are widows, stay-at-home mothers, or single women who have spent their lives in rural Ra. This collective experience fosters confidence and cultivates a greater sense of belonging.
With International Rural Women’s Day 2025 on the horizon, focusing on themes such as empowerment and economic independence, Ra Naari Parishad stands out as a significant grassroots initiative making a difference for women living in rural Fiji.
The initiative is part of a broader trend, paralleling successful programs in Naqarani, Rewa, where women’s organizations are driving progress in community development. Influential leaders like Adi Asilika Lalawa have played crucial roles, working alongside the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) to provide training and materials to enhance agricultural efforts. Such collaborations highlight the solidarity and resilience of women across Fiji, igniting a movement toward economic self-sufficiency and sustainability.
The dedication these women demonstrate signifies a hopeful shift where collective action and community support serve as essential tools for overcoming socio-economic challenges, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for rural women in Fiji.