Market Access Made Easy for Cicia Women

The Cicia Women’s Network today marked a significant milestone with the official opening of their stall at the Suva Flea Market, creating a direct platform for women from the five villages in Cicia to sell their products and generate income for their families.

The stall, which features traditional handicrafts such as mats, masi, virgin coconut oil, and other handmade items, was officially opened by Turaga na Tui Cicia, Ratu Sakaraia Saubalavu. In his remarks, he commended the perseverance of the Cicia Women’s Network committee despite many challenges, acknowledging their determination to create new economic opportunities for women.

He said the initiative opens doors for the women of Cicia and supports their sustainable livelihoods reminding them that leadership is about serving the people, and this stall is a reflection of that spirit—uplifting families, the vanua, and our community.

The new stall is part of the Network’s broader effort to bring the market closer to women in the villages, eliminating the high costs of traveling to Suva to sell their produce. By selling directly, women can spend more time with their families, continue to fulfill their village responsibilities, and reshape community perspectives on the roles and contributions of women and men in village life.

President of the Cicia Women’s Network, Ms. Kesaia Makita, highlighted the organization’s mission.

“For the past three years, we have been working to support women on the island in every way possible. This stall is another step toward empowering women and transforming communities.”

The Cicia Women’s Network Committee in Suva plays a key role as an enabler of transformation, bridging opportunities between urban markets and women in rural Cicia. Their work continues to demonstrate that women’s leadership and economic empowerment can drive positive change across families and communities.

The initiative is proudly supported by Women’s Fund Fiji, which partners with women’s and feminist organizations across the country to advance gender equality and support sustainable livelihoods.

About Cicia Women’s Network
Cicia Women’s Network is a community-based initiative connecting women from the five villages in Cicia. Since its establishment, the Network has worked to empower women through market access, capacity-building, and community transformation.