Rural Women contribute in many ways through different livelihood strategies – Vuniwaqa

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa says rural women contribute in many ways through different livelihood strategies to lifting their families and communities out of poverty.

Speaking at the Savusavu Craft show, Vuniwaqa says they work unpaid on farms, as entrepreneurs, traders, and providers of service as leaders, caretakers of children and the elderly.

Vuniwaqa says rural women work long hours and many of their activities are not defined as economically active employment in international accounts but are essential to the well-being of their households.

She says they are often constrained by the enequal access to productive resources and services.

Vuniwaqa adds the limitations rural women face in turn impose huge social, economic and environmental cost on society as a whole.

She says the call to recognise rural women’s contribution towards their families and the nation is crucial ans well overdue.

Meanwhile Vuniwaqa has also urged women who are skilled, to educate and share their knowledge with other women who can carry on the legacy of traditional arts and craft.

She says we must adopt this responsible  attitude so that we keep our heritage and culture alive and well.