Bua women raise $42,000 plus
Minister Vuniwaqa applauds their efforts
Rain failed to dampen the spirits of women from Bua women as they gathered at Nabouwalu last week for their annual Bua Women’s Craft Show. Their efforts paid off when they raised $42,738 in a ‘soli’ to kick off what became a joyous event at the Naulumatua ground. The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa, who officiated at the event, applauded the women for their efforts. “The turnout by the women of Bua has been amazing,” Mrs Vuniwaqa said.
“I know that this is one of those provinces that were badly affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston but this today shows the resilience of women, to be able to pick themselves up, and produce the finefine arts we see here today.” She said the reason for the event was to develop the craft wares women in the rural areas earned their income from.
This is in terms of quality through its production processes and presentation.
“This is to also help market their handicrafts to the markets in our urban areas,” Mrs Vuniwaqa said. “From this crafts show we will be selecting a number of women to represent the Bua Province to the annual Women’s Expo set for June 14th to 16th next year.” She said the focus at the moment was to provide for the local markets before it is developed to reach a certain level for export. At least 300 women from the nine districts in the Bua Province attended.