Healing, Growth and Confidence: Mafi’s Journey

Mafi, a 45-year-old single mother, carried the weight of years of pain. She had survived domestic violence, but the trauma left her angry and hurt. For a long time, she kept her pain inside, and it affected her life and relationships.

Things began to change when Mafi joined the Confident Woman Program by the Lifebread Stay Connected Foundation (Fiji). She thought the program was only about learning crafting and life skills, but it turned out to be much more. At first, she didn’t take it seriously and even thought about quitting. But as time went on, Mafi realized the program wasn’t just about skills—it was about life and healing.

“Na veika au lako curuma mai ena noqu bula, au se bera vakadua ni dau wasea ia au kidacala niu sa vakauqeti meu wasea kau talaucaka mai na lomaqu. E dua na colacola bibi levu e kautani mai vei au ka yaga sara ga na vuli qo.”

“For the first time, I shared my story,” Mafi said. “It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I started to feel free and happy.”

Through the program, Mafi learned about gender equality, family values, financial literacy, and how to start a business. More importantly, she found the strength to let go of her anger and see life in a new way.

Mafi is a clothing designer, tailor, and jewellery maker. She creates beautiful handicrafts, often using recycled materials to make her products. With her new mindset, she is ready to grow her business and take on life with confidence.

(Na porokaramu qo e kauta mai vei au na marau ka veisautaka saraga n ai vakarau ni noqu rai kau sa nanamaki kina bula vou au na lai bulataka kei na noqu vuvale.)

“The program has changed my life,” Mafi says. “I see things differently now, and I am excited for the future.”

Mafi graduated in October as part of the program’s fourth cycle. She is one of nearly 300 women along the Nadi-Tavua corridor who have been empowered through this initiative that is supported by Women’s Fund Fiji.

Mafi’s story shows that, no matter how hard life has been, it is possible to heal, grow, and build a better future with the right support.

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