Macuata Women’s Event to Send Message to the Young
The Macuata women are passing on their traditional handcraft skills to their young ones in a bid revive and maintain them. The women who have participated in the National Women’s Expo have seen not only its economic benefits, but the importance of keeping these traditional handiwork intact. Hence, the Macuata Women’s Handicraft Show. that was held at Katonivere Ground in Labasa yesterday, was hosted as a means of reviving traditional skills among women. The Soqosoqo Vakamarama
ko Macuata president Adi Mela Qomate said: “Most of the crafts that we have presented here today have actually disappeared and we are lucky to have a few people who know about the crafts that made it possible for us to learn and continue with the tradition.”
Asenaca Dioi of Labasa, who was one of the 30 women chosen for the expo, said she was happy to know that her hard work and sacrifice had now been recognised.
Ms Dioi said this was her third year to be part of the expo adding that the expo meant the possibility of selling her crafts.
“Ever since being chosen for the expo last year, I have made up my mind to keep improving my crafts and aim for perfection so I can be chosen again this year, which surprisingly happened, and I’m so happy for that,” she said. “All I need to do now is go back to the village and work on my crafts, weave more mats, fans and baskets for the expo in June.”