Women from the Lau Islands are being encouraged to undergo regular health checks and seek early medical attention, as cultural barriers continue to make discussions about cancer difficult.
Soqosoqo Vakamarama Ko Lau President Rigieta Halofaki says many women are reluctant to visit hospitals for check-ups, prompting the organisation to invite representatives from the Fiji Cancer Society and the Ministry of Health to raise awareness about cancer affecting women.
Speaking during the the celebration of International Rural Women's Day, Pinktober and Senior Citizens and Expo at the Seafarers Club in Walu Bay, Suva, Halofaki says the awareness sessions aim to help women understand what steps to take if they develop cancer.
She says breast and cervical cancer are among the conditions affecting women in Lau, although the organisation does not have data on the number of women affected.
Halofaki says discussing these health issues can be difficult within Fijian traditions, but awareness programmes provide an opportunity to share information and encourage women to seek medical help.
She says the celebration today also recognises elderly women and senior citizens for their years of service and contribution to Soqosoqo Vakamarama Ko Lau.
Halofaki says the organisation is also working on its strategic development plan, which focuses on rural development, education and preserving traditional Lauan handicrafts.
She says the plan has been revised to combine eight previous thematic areas into five, with a focus on supporting women from the islands and those living in Suva.
Halofaki says preserving traditional handicrafts is important as more companies commercialise such products.
She adds that education remains a priority for the organisation, which wants younger generations to continue pursuing educational opportunities.
Halofaki adds that the Women's Fund Fiji has supported the organisation's work over the past three years, while other activities are funded through fundraising and contributions from women in the different tikinas.
