Resilience and Sustainability in Action

The Journey of Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei Cakaudrove (SVTC)

When Adi Salaseini Kavu Fong, President of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei Cakaudrove (SVTC), spoke at Women’s Fund Fiji’s Resilience and Sustainability in Action panel this morning, she shared a story of determination and unity.

“It wasn’t the urban women who changed this organisation,” she said. “It was the rural, grassroots women the ones sitting here today. That is resilience.”

Formally registered in 2005, SVTC represents women from 17 districts and 139 villages across Cakaudrove. From humble beginnings with no financial systems, the organisation now operates four active bank accounts with full transparency.

“We didn’t know accounting,” said Adi Kavu. “So we trained our own women. Our treasurer once worked in the village kitchen now she manages our accounts.”

With early support from DFAT, SVTC strengthened its governance, trained its members, and built strong systems that ensure sustainability. Even when funding stopped, the women continued, contributing money, food, and materials from their own villages. These efforts now generate about $40,000 a year to support operations and training.

When COVID-19 and financial challenges hit, SVTC adapted. Meetings were split into smaller groups, and internal audits were introduced to manage risks and restore financial stability.

SVTC’s leadership also extends to advocacy. The group presented its findings on gender-based violence to the Great Council of Chiefs, the only provincial women’s organisation to do so.

Today, SVTC is expanding its vision through the RaMarama Hall, a women’s hub that will soon become Fiji’s first women-led cultural gallery and training centre. The space will promote traditional crafts, storytelling, and women’s leadership while supporting livelihoods.

“We have proven that with or without funding, we can stand,” said Adi Kavu. “Our women work from the heart as volunteers, leaders, and change-makers.”

Her message was clear:
“Resilience and sustainability are not just words. For us, they are our way of life.”

Ends