Date: 08 Jan 2026
Empowering Rural Women to Rise as Leaders
In Fiji’s rural cane-farming communities, traditional gender roles, limited access to leadership opportunities, and socio-economic barriers often restrict women’s participation in decision-making. Yet through resilience, faith, and structured leadership pathways, women like Vani Tuvuki are transforming what leadership looks like in their communities.
Vani, originally from Vanua Levu with maternal links to Kadavu and now residing in Benai, Ba, is a mother of three and a grandmother of five. Her leadership story began after a deeply personal turning point. A schoolteacher for 17 years, Vani was diagnosed with breast cancer and chose to leave her career to focus on healing. Surviving cancer reshaped her worldview and her purpose.
“When God gave me life again, I decided to give back to my community. I wanted to serve.”
Vani began volunteering full-time, supporting women’s incomegeneration through weaving, joining the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre as a counsellor, and later becoming the Red Cross Administrator in Ba. She played a key role in rebuilding the Red Cross and reviving the District Council of Social Services (DCOSS) in the Western Division, mobilising rural women into leadership and community action.
Her turning point in leadership came through Balance of Power and Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) Women’s Leadership Pipeline. The program strengthened her confidence, leadership skills, and advocacy capacity.
“The Pipeline gave me power and confidence. I never imagined I would one day become Vice President of a national organisation.”
Through her involvement in the Pipeline initiative, Vani brought other rural women into leadership including church spaces traditionally dominated by men. With encouragement from fellow female church leaders, she broke cultural barriers by becoming one of the first women lay pastors in the Ba Division Methodist Church.
Today, Vani serves as Vice President of FCOSS and convenor for FemLINK Pacific Women’s Weather Watch for Tavua and Rakiraki, amplifying rural women’s voices in governance and crisis response.
Vani uses her life experiences and learning to empower other women from remote cane-farming, highland communities and maritime communities. She advocates for decentralized Leadership Pipeline trainings so more rural women and IndoFijian women can participate.
Vani is also preparing to run for national office – a path she once never imagined.
“Leadership requires preparation. I only wish I had this training earlier; I might have been a Minister by now. But nothing is too late. We are paving the way for young women.”
“Women need support to lead. My husband supported me, and now my children and community stand with me. The Leadership Pipeline has helped make us who I am today.”
Vani believes that empowering rural women, youth, and those historically excluded from leadership will transform Fiji’s future.
“For a stronger Fiji, women, especially young women, must step out of their comfort zones. Leadership is taught. Confidence is taught. Once rural women are empowered, we change lives and communities.”
Vani continues to champion women’s leadership, political participation, and community empowerment, proving that when rural women rise, the nation rises.