The Rewa Women Disability Group’s Success Story
Too often people have been stigmatised for their disability.
But for Litia Naitauni, she strongly believes it’s a person’s ability to overcome any challenge, be it physical, because they can succeed despite this.
This was the message by the Rewa Women with Disability Group president after scooping the Disability Farmer of the year award at the 2019 National Agirculture
Show at the Valelevu grounds last night.
The group comprises 15 women who are physically challenged ,from the province of Rewa. Ms Naitauni said the whole purpose of forming the group was to empower women with disability and for their recognition.
The group is currently involved in backyard gardening where they plant various crops such as mushrooms, lettuce, and various other projects like weaving mats, baskets, trays and fans.
From this they have been able to earn $200,000 revenue annually.
“For us with disability, do not forget your disability, but look at the ability that you can do to have the potential and capacity to build on it,” she said.
“Don’t look at down on yourself and know that money can be earned for the land.
“I believe that for any person with disability to succeed in such an industry self-motivation is very important.”
Winning the award was an accomplishment for the group and future plans were in place to expand their farm further. Farmer of the Year Meanwhile, Farmer of the Year, 66-year-old Birja Nand, from Dawana Estate located in Navatu, Cakaudrove, has been farming for the past 40 years.
He owns 78 acres of which 75 acres is under coconut and is also into livestock and vegetable farming. Edited by Ranoba Baoa