Sweet Reward for Veidigidigi

Naqara resident Anasimeci Veidigidigi has joined other members of the Taveuni Empowerment Women Support Group (TEWSG) who are now producing and selling honey, turning the skills they gained through a beekeeping project into a sustainable source of income for their families.

In March, Ms Veidigidigi harvested honey from her beehive for the first time in the presence of the First Secretary at the New Zealand High Commission, Ms Jane Anderson, highlighting the impact of development partnerships that are creating economic opportunities for women in rural communities.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms Veidigidigi said the training and ongoing support she received through TEWSG had given her the confidence and skills to earn an income from beekeeping.

“The training and support have helped me learn how to manage my beehive and produce honey that I can now sell. It’s rewarding to be earning an income from something I’ve learned through the project, while also providing honey for my family.”

Ms Veidigidigi is one of 10 women participating in TEWSG’s beekeeping initiative under an Economic Empowerment Programme supported by Women’s Fund Fiji, with funding from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The programme equips women with practical skills, mentoring and ongoing support to establish sustainable livelihoods and strengthen their economic independence.

TEWSG operates across several livelihood streams, including beekeeping, backyard gardening, handicrafts, floriculture and food preservation. Members are organised into teams, each led by a trained leader who provides ongoing mentorship, hands-on training and regular monitoring to help women develop and grow their individual enterprises.

Beekeeping Team Leader Atrul Nisha said regular household visits and practical support are central to the programme’s success.

“I provide training to the team and visit each member at their own hive to support them and check on their progress,” Ms Nisha said.

The women now harvest honey for both household consumption and commercial sale, contributing to improved food security and additional income for their families. Through continuous mentoring and practical learning, members are building the confidence to expand their businesses and market their products locally.

Beyond beekeeping, TEWSG is a grassroots, women-led organisation based on Taveuni Island that works to strengthen women’s economic independence, leadership and overall wellbeing through livelihood training, small business development and community awareness.

The organisation also provides a safe and supportive environment where women can share experiences, learn from one another and build confidence as they develop their businesses. This peer-to-peer learning and ongoing support have strengthened household resilience and increased women’s participation in community decision-making.

Operating in a remote maritime setting, TEWSG plays an important role in ensuring women are not left behind. By combining practical skills training with mentorship and collective learning, the group is helping women like Ms Veidigidigi turn new knowledge into sustainable livelihoods, creating lasting economic opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities.