Modern business woman
KOTO Vakarewakobau’s stand on promoting working conditions for women while successfully venturing and managing her beauty salon was an excellent example of women thriving economically when given the chance.
An article published by The Fiji Times on September 6, 1986, said Mrs Vakarewakobau had represented the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Indigenous Women and Women in Business during the National Economic Summit which was held in Suva.
The theme of that event was Production and Productivity.
“When you talk about productivity, you can encourage this by providing people with incentives,” she said.
“With regards to women in their condition of employment, salaries, opportunities for promotion and training will lead to greater productivity.”
The article said she was a founding member of the Women’s Right’s Movement which had sent a submission to the Garment Workers Tribunal with regards to the conditions and wages of women in the industry.
“We would like to draw the attention of the National Economic Summit to the poor work environment, poor pay as well as the lack of training programs,” she wrote in her submission.
“This is not at all conducive to greater productivity in the garment industry.”
At the time, Mrs Vakarewakobau, who was a member of the Suva Chamber of Commerce, had also sent a submission that was against the import duty on certain goods or items beneficial to women and girls but termed as luxury goods by the Ministry of Finance.
“We want to bring it to the attention of men that these items are basic necessities for women.
“So far I have not received the acknowledgement of my letter to the Permanent Secretary of Finance,” the article quoted her as saying.
Earlier that year Mrs Vakarewakobau and her chief hairdresser and business partner Kini Kori attended an international seminar for hair dressing in Melbourne.
“We studied the latest hair styles under two tutors.
“One was a well-known figure from Germany specialising in ladies and gents’ hair design.
“Another tutor was from the US, and we looked at international fashion creations, clothing, jewelry and shoes.”
Upon returning home she then went to the Expo 86 in Sydney and this trip was organised by the Economic Development Board.
“I would have liked to see the actual people involved in the production of Fijian handicraft and farm produce to be present at the Expo 86’, not just the EDB officials,” she said.
“To increase the productivity the producers themselves should be encouraged and motivated by meeting the buyers,.
“Lots of foreigners wish to place an order for Fijian handicrafts and farm produce. Unfortunately, so far our people cannot supply anything on regular basis.”
The local business owner said more action and less talk was needed.
Villages were encouraged to harvest more pandanus, mulberry trees and bamboo — as these raw materials were needed to create and make handicraft items.
She said the aim of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement was to strengthen and improve the social, legal, economic, and political position of women in Fiji.
“We would like to see the removal of all discriminatory laws against women throughout Fiji,” she said.
Mrs Vakarewakobau was born in Suva and went to St Anne’s School before completing her secondary education at Indian High School.
She was married to Ratu Meli Vakarewakobau, the assistant Commissioner of Police Operations.
The mother of four shared how she had always wished to create and establish something for herself.
“An opportunity came when I applied for a loan, and it came through enabling me to purchase the Lorena Beauty Salon.”
Her hard work created an opportunity for her to send hairdressing equipment and items overseas. She was also in the process of opening a new outlet in Nadi.
Mrs Vakarewakobau said she did not have the time in raising funds for her province or village because she was occupied with her own business and welfare.
“I do not see why I should keep my traditional customs when things are becoming very hard in Fiji.
“Our daily need is more important, shelter over the head, three meals a day, education for the children and a job that brings a steady and reasonable income.
“Holding on to ancient tradition does not help me in the modern world geared towards individuals progress,”
Having that mindset resulted in her discouraging a person from investing with Carlton Brewery which was supposedly suggested by the Great Council of Chiefs meeting that was once held in Somosomo.
“I am surprised that the Government, the Ministry of Health and the churches which have always condemned alcohol as the major cause of crime and violence in Fiji are now in favour of alcohol,” Mrs Vakarewakobau said in the article.
“Besides I do not think the individuals who are going to raise funds for the province will in the end receive any money for their family.
“All the effort will be in the name of the province. The chiefs and roko are now living in modernised concrete homes with upto-date facilities including video and now TV is on the way.
“I strongly feel the word tradition has become a cliché.”
Holding on to ancient tradition does not help me in the modern world geared towards individual progress
– Koto Vakarewakobau