The unstoppable spirit of Bina’s rural women

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October 15 marks the International Day of Rural Women, a day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of rural women across the globe. Today, (October 15) we stand in solidarity with these unsung heroes who, despite facing numerous challenges, remain the backbone of their families and communities. On this special day, we turn our attention to the rural women of Bina village in the West Kwaio region of Malaita Province, Solomon Islands. Their story is a motivating reminder that success comes through hard work and determination.

Bina village is well-known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The people of Bina take great pride in their traditional dances, storytelling, and handcrafted items that have been passed down through generations. Their rich cultural identity is knotted with their way of life, and for many women in the village, this includes cultivating one of their most treasured resources—pineapples. Bina is famous for producing sweet, juicy pineapples that are not only a source of pride but also a crucial part of the community’s livelihood. These pineapples provide both food and income for many families in the village.

In 2023, Bina gained attention for featuring Joyce as the “Mangrove Queen,” but this year, the focus is on eight remarkable rural women whose lives revolve around pineapple farming.

Hellen Asu, among the women, highlights the importance of pineapples in her daily life. “Pineapples are essential for my family,” she shares. Each day, Hellen rises before dawn to tend to her pineapple farm, planting or harvesting the fruits that provide sustenance and income. Her dream is to achieve economic independence by selling pineapples and lifting her family out of poverty. She is determined that no one in her household will go hungry.

A 60-year-old Joana Sautalau, another rural woman, has spent her life planting and harvesting pineapples. For her, the tradition of pineapple farming is woven into the fabric of Bina’s culture. “Bina is known as the land of pineapples,” she explains. However, the physical demands of farming have become more challenging with age. Despite her reduced strength and mobility, Joana continues her work, driven by a sense of duty to her family and community.

For the women of Bina, pineapple farming is not just a job; it is a source of pride and a crucial means of survival. However, they face numerous obstacles in their efforts to sell their produce and secure a stable income. The lack of transportation and infrastructure significantly hampers their ability to transport pineapples to larger markets, such as Honiara, where better prices can be obtained. Many women are limited to selling at smaller, local markets with lower demand, which does not adequately compensate their efforts. The poor condition of roads, particularly during the rainy season, further complicates matters, as it diminishes the freshness and quality of the fruit, thereby reducing its market value. In these local markets, Bina women often have little control over pricing and are frequently exploited by middlemen who purchase their produce at unreasonably low rates.

Moreover, the challenges do not end there. Without proper storage facilities, the women face significant post-harvest losses due to the highly perishable nature of pineapples. The seasonal fluctuations in pineapple farming also contribute to income instability, compelling many women to engage in additional activities, such as making bean cakes, to supplement their earnings. Furthermore, a lack of access to training and extension services inhibits their ability to improve farming techniques, increase yields, and add value to their produce through processing. Despite these hurdles, the women of Bina remain strong, demonstrating their commitment to overcoming challenges and striving for economic stability.

Despite these challenges, the women of Bina are not alone in their journey. Their families, including children and grandchildren, often step in to assist with planting, harvesting, and selling pineapples. The collective strength of the community ensures that these women have the support they need to continue their work. Their aspirations go beyond just making ends meet. These women dream of economic stability, access to quality education for their children, better healthcare, and the empowerment to make decisions that impact their lives. They are determined to preserve the vital natural resources of their community while striving to become successful entrepreneurs.

The women of Bina also look forward to new opportunities brought by the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant project. This development promises to create jobs and reduce their reliance on pineapple farming as their primary source of income. They anticipate new opportunities in areas such as catering, market access, and economic stability. The project is progressing well, and the women believe it has the potential to transform their lives, providing a brighter and more secure future for their families and their community.

As we celebrate the International Day of Rural Women, the story of the women of Bina village serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible strength and determination of rural women around the world. On this day, let us honor the women of Bina and all rural women globally, acknowledging their vital contributions and advocating for the support and resources they need to thrive. Together, we can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

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-By John Ice-KMO, Bina Region Arrangement Governance (BRAG)                                                                                                               

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