Women in Lomavata are finding innovative ways to combat poverty through local craftsmanship, guided by the enthusiastic leadership of Sera Gukiwasa Coriakula, the leader of the Lomavata Church Women’s Fellowship Group. Coriakula believes that the key to overcoming poverty lies in harnessing the talents that women already possess. Speaking with FBC News, she highlighted the importance of using their hands to create—whether through sewing, crafting, baking, or weaving—as a means to uplift not just their families but their entire community.
Coriakula passionately remarked, “God gave us hands not just to pray, but to create. If we use them wisely… we can lift our families and our communities out of hardship.” This belief has sparked a movement among local women, many of whom have turned traditional crafts into thriving small businesses. They are now selling mats, baskets, and baked goods in local markets, thereby transforming their skills into sources of income.
What initially began as a simple church initiative for fellowship has evolved into a broader movement focused on empowerment and self-reliance. Coriakula notes, “We may not have much, but we have time, talent, and faith. When we put these together, poverty loses its power over us.” Her vision includes expanding training programs to teach skills such as jewelry-making and tailoring, ensuring that more women can benefit from the initiative.
This grassroots empowerment effort resonates with similar initiatives across Fiji, where women are increasingly engaging in handicrafts to foster economic independence. For instance, a recent workshop organized by the Lifebread Stay Connected Foundation in Lautoka saw participants learning traditional weaving techniques, which not only enhanced their skills but also generated new income opportunities for them. Such initiatives underscore the importance of creativity and entrepreneurship among women, propelling community growth and economic stability.
Coriakula’s leadership exemplifies that empowerment doesn’t have to arise from large-scale projects; it can be as simple as a needle and thread, or a pair of hands ready to work. As the women in Lomavata continue to innovate and collaborate, they highlight the potential for community-driven initiatives to create sustainable change, paving the way for a hopeful and resilient future.