Ofeina Heletu O’Brian loves sport. But if there’s a women’s rights issue or women’s empowerment program, she will ditch her love for sport for the latter.
The 50-year-old from Qalikarua, Matuku, Lau, said she knows the challenges women faced and continue to face today and wants a front seat in any movement or activity that looks to address their issues.
Last week, she took part in the World Bank-funded women’s upskilling training workshop facilitated by non-governmental organisation Grace Trifam Ministry Fiji at the Soqosoqo Vakamarama headquarters in Nabua.
Ms O’Brian said women’s empowerment was about empowering women to make their own decisions for their personal and social development.
“Empowerment of women would mean encouraging them to be self-reliant and independent,” she said.
“If women understand and exercise their power, they can remake the world.
“Empowered women who reach tough or unconventional positions, make choices not sacrifices.
“We make changes and out stand every challenge mentally and emotionally in the new normal.”
Ms O’Brian was chosen by the Matuku women to represent them in women’s related events and has used the opportunity to share the knowledge she has learned.
“Two years ago, I was with the Matuku women in my village. The women of my village chose and motivated me to be their leader and to attend workshops related to women.
“Whatever I’ve learnt here in this workshop, I’ll pass that on to the women on my island.”
She is an avid sportswoman as well.
“I’m a sportswoman and I love to play and involve myself in sports events. I was a soccer player, rugby and a netball player from 1995 to 2015.
“After playing, I started assisting Suva women’s rugby, netball and soccer teams as an official. “Last weekend, I officiated at the Marist 7s competition.
“I’m a former player of Suva netball and an official of Suva netball as well.
“For rugby, whenever they call me, I (would) go and assist them as an official.
“I always leave sports behind when I am called to attend workshops and events related to women’s empowerment.
“When they call me, I make sure that I am available all the time. I’ve been motivating women everywhere I go.”
Ms O’Brian urged women in villages to remain united and to support each other.
“My message to all the women out there is, you have to be strong wherever you are. Especially those who live in villages, they have to find ways to move on.
“Women in villages should live in unity, love each other and support each other.
“And to parents, I urge you all to guide your young girls on the path to success. They are our future leaders.
“Do not ignore their problems and listen to them so that they are motivated. I have been doing this and I would like to urge all parents to do the same.”
