THE Nusatuva Environment Development Conservation Association (NECDA) Women’s Savings Club in Kolombangara, Western Province, celebrated its 10th anniversary as an organization.
The savings club was established to economically empower rural women over the past decade despite the numerous hardships and challenges they encounter.
The celebration on Monday 26 August marked the 10th anniversary of NECDA’s establishment, highlighting the organization’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the women of the Nusatuva community and surrounding areas in Kolombangara.
The NECDA Women’s Savings Club is a key component of the Inshore Fish Aggregating Devices (IFAD) project, which aims to empower rural women in Nusatuva, Kolombangara, Gizo and other role model communities.
The initiative provides women with opportunities to improve their livelihoods by engaging in savings and microfinance activities.
During the official celebration, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Solomon Islands Field Project Coordinator Salome Topo commended NECDA for its leadership and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
“We are here today to celebrate your achievements and another milestone,” Topo remarked, acknowledging the significant progress the women have made since the club’s inception.
Ms Topo noted that funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) made available in 2015 played a crucial role in integrating the livelihood component into the IFAD project.
“The IFAD project was primarily focused on improving the lives of local fishing communities by providing them with opportunities to earn better incomes from their catches while sustaining their families,” she explained.
She said, the project has enabled rural women to generate income from their catches using Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and has boosted their savings, granting them greater economic independence.
“NECDA Women’s Savings Club is the microfinance component of the IFAD project and assists its members in saving money earned through their daily gardening and marketing activities,” Ms Topo added.
She explained the overarching goal of this microfinance initiative is to encourage rural women in the Nusatuva community and surrounding areas to participate in small-scale financial activities and introduce them to business ventures, savings, loans and banking practices.
“By doing this, we empower women to make their own decisions and work towards achieving their goals.
“Today we are so happy and proud that you – NEDCA has done a successfully work that also help you individually and families,” she said.
NECDA Savings Club President Elcy Ryan reflected on the club’s journey, noting that membership initially started with 68 women, but numbers have since slightly declined.
“Our members include young girls, women, and even elderly women who have joined our savings club,” she said.
Mrs Ryan highlighted the significant impact the WWF-designed component has had on their lives, with many members benefiting from the initiative.
“Savings is very important. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and it’s crucial to save money because we have many commitments and goals,” she said.
Despite the challenges and obstacles faced along the way, Mrs Ryan credited the training provided by WWF for shaping their leadership skills and providing them with new insights and knowledge.
Western Province Council of Women (WPCW) President Rendy Solomon also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in empowering women and aligning with government policies.
“WPCW was established in 2007, and we are implementing the policies of any government of the day. As citizens of Solomon Islands, we benefit from these policies,” Ms Solomon said.
She assured that WPCW and the Women’s Desk under Western Provincial Government (WPG) will always support and assist whatever needs assistance and voices from all the women in rural areas.
The one-day program began with a parade, competition and concluded with feasting and entertainment.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
