Banaban art work eyes bigger market

[Stacey King]

FIJI SUN Newspaper 10/11/10

Exposing the talent and skills of women on Rabi Island is the aim of the Banaban Women’s Organisation.

Organisation president Terikano Takesau says the women on the island are talented but are challenged with limited market opportunities.

Currently, handicraft and island-made products made by the Banaban women are sold to customers on the island.

“We have our own market on the island where we sell to civil servants, villagers and leaders,” Ms Takesau said.

“But we want to take our products out of the island to the mainland, to tourists and business people.”

Ms Takesau said when ever there’s a public gathering on the mainland, it was the only opportunity the organisation had to promote their products.

At last weekend’s Fiji National Outrigger Paddling Regatta in Savusavu, a variety of handicrafts were displayed and virgin coconut oil and its by-product (body lotion).

Ms Takesau said women contribute to the economic development on the island and this should be promoted.

“With the geographical remoteness of our island, the women tend to lose hope that their products are not given prominence,” she said.

“However, that is to change from now on because we are working very hard on taking our products out of the island and display them wherever we can.”