There is a significant lack of awareness in communities regarding whom to approach for assistance during disasters, according to Seinimere Veitata, the Fiji National Program Coordinator for the Women’s Resilience to Disaster Program under United Nations Women. She made these remarks during a workshop in Labasa.
Veitata emphasized the necessity for stakeholders to offer support through available resources within civil society organizations. She pointed out the critical need for collaboration among all involved parties to tackle this issue effectively.
“They can also create pathways for communities to access the help they require,” she added. When discussing challenges such as language barriers faced by some officials, she noted that there are established protocols that stakeholders must follow before engaging with communities.
“There is a connection for development within the community that not only aids in spreading information but also assists with its translation,” she explained. Despite these challenges, she reiterated the importance of collective efforts to address the issues communities encounter during and after disasters.