Itaukei women are renowned for their cultural knowledge, skills and talents usually portrayed in the traditional handicrafts and attires they create.
However, the advent of modern technology necessitates the need to preserve, document these traditional knowledge and skills so that they can be transferred to the next generation says the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni.
Dr Luveni addressed these issues with women of Nauluvatu and Namuka villages in Nakelo district, Tailevu today.
She emphasised these skills can be preserved through usage and tutoring and guiding the younger generation of women.
Therefore, it’s important for women to retain their traditional skills of masi making, mat weaving, pottery, farming skills, herbal medicines and traditional art of living for therein lays roots of our ancestral history.
Dr Luveni encouraged the women to utilise their natural resources and traditional skills to improve their livelihood.
“Women have many talents and they can utilise these skills and resources available in their village to meet their needs. They do not have to rely on the expensive products.”
To support the practice of these skills and to generate income the Ministry’s plans to develop women centres in the divisions.
Through the centres women will be able to share their skills.
“Through these women centres there will be trainings and displays of traditional handicrafts and skills,” she said.
Traditional skills and natural resources provide an alternative livelihood in a village setting,” she added.