Marama Ni Viti

It’s time that we appreciate and recognize the hard work that women put in to molding and shaping our communities in whatever capacity they’re in.

When I first heard about the Marma Ni Viti Gala I knew already just how much of a success it would be. Not everyday women are recognized for their contribution to society and for all their hard work, so this concept of giving back and of recognition was a great idea and I couldn’t just sit this one out.

The National Council of Women Fiji (NCWF) was founded in 1968. At that time there was an urgent need for women in Fiji to have a ‘voice’ in all aspects of society, so this was where NCWF came in to power. The National Council of Women Fiji has over 60 groups of women from across the board associated with the organization. There are faith- based groups such as the Catholic Women’s League together with the Fiji Women’s Muslim League together with the Fiji Nurses Association that make up what we know today as The National Council of Women Fiji.

This years gala will be the first of its kind for the organization and so in partnership with the US Embassy, they were able to invite The President of the National Council of Women USA, Saideh Browne, as chief guest and key note speaker for the night.

“We chose Ms. Brown because of her presidency and experience with the NCW in the United States of America where she is also a representative to the UN assembly. . . we didn’t want our maiden gala to be just about the dinner and entertainment, this is a celebration and it’s only fitting that Ms Browne is here to talk to us, to empower us and to leave us with inspirational words to carry us on through the years.” Said Fay Volatabu.

NCW Fiji will also be highlighting our women in the music industry and their leading roles; paying high accolades to one of Fijis pioneering women in music, Ms Laisa Vulakoro.

The theme song for the “Marama Ni Viti” Gala titled “Na Marama Qo” was written and composed by vude prince Savuto Vakadewavosa. The lyrics together with the up-tempo music illustrates women empowerment and celebrates women in their roles today. The song debuted in September and will be sung on the night. (snippet of the song in video below)

With the theme, “Celebrating Women’s Role in Leadership in Fiji”, the organization will be looking at women from rural areas and from various communities with hopes to assist and better educate them with their roles and to increase the number of women in leadership.

The ‘Marama Ni Viti’ tickets are now available at Level 1, My FNPF Centre in Suva till Friday December 1 2017.

For tickets, please contact Makarita Dawai on 868 0778.