A quiet yet powerful movement is unfolding in Ra one of where women are leading the charge in restoring coastal ecosystems and securing sustainable livelihoods for their communities. As the world marks International Women's Day, the women of Barotu Village stand as a testament to the power of resilience, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment.
For decades, women like Soma Selo have depended on the surrounding mangroves for their daily sustenance and income. Fishing and crab collection have been their lifeline, but the devastation caused by severe Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016 altered their way of life. The cyclone's impact on the mangrove forest of Navitilevu Bay meant that the fish and crab population they relied upon dwindled, forcing them to travel further for their catch.
