Women in Mavua village in Nadroga, Fiji, are using farming, weaving and small village projects to build income, food security and independence.

The Mavua Women Club has 42 members, aged from 18 to 60, and is led by Salome Ratuku.

The club was registered in 2012 but revived its work in April 2024 after completing requirements to receive support through the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry's Women in Agriculture program.

Ms Ratuku said farming had helped her support her family while her husband was working in New Zealand.

"I didn't really want to rely on my husband's earnings, but rather I continued planting the land and I saw that I get a lot from the money from it too," she said.

"If your husband is not providing well and you have issues, turn to the land and you will not be disappointed.

"Keep the land and you will see it will feed you and help you in areas that you want for your families."

The group received voivoi planting materials, wheelbarrows, digging forks, spades, manure and floriculture training through the program.

Voivoi, or pandanus leaves, are used for weaving, with members gathering every Tuesday at the village hall to make mats.

The women have also planted voivoi near the hall and are building a drying shed to support their weaving work.

The club has received assistance valued at $6,316 over the past two financial years, including masi planting materials, eggplant seedlings and an electric coconut scraper.

The support has helped members continue farming, weaving, floriculture and other small income-generating activities.

Ms Ratuku has also cultivated three acres of watermelon, cabbage, cucumber and corn as part of her own farming work.

She said the women had strengthened their work by supporting one another.

"We have decided to listen to each other and help other out when needed," Ms Ratuku said.

The village continues to face challenges, including riverbank erosion that threatens homes and farmland.

The group has continued its floriculture work while also supporting small drainage works to help farms and keep the village clean during wet weather.

Agriculture Assistant (East-bank), Tana Natavea, said the women's work was supporting both families and the wider village.

"They work well together and have a strong bond with each other and with the community and their hard work is not just for the group, but also for their families, to ensure food security and to help develop the village," he said.

"The women have started several projects including production of virgin coconut oil as well as building and maintaining small drainage works to support their farms and keep the village clean during rainy weather."

The Mavua Women Club's projects include food production, mat weaving, voivoi planting, floriculture and virgin coconut oil production.

The work is aimed at helping women generate income while strengthening food security and village development.

Ms Ratuku said the land remained central to the group's work and to the support women could provide for their families.

"The land will not disappoint you, it will feed you, provide for your family, and give you strength when you need it most," she said.

The group has encouraged other women's groups across Fiji to keep building their skills through farming, weaving and other village-based work.