There is a significant lack of awareness within communities regarding whom to approach for assistance during disasters. This concern was highlighted by Seinimere Veitata, the Fiji National Program Coordinator for the Women’s Resilience to Disaster Program at United Nations Women, during a workshop in Labasa.
Veitata emphasized the need for stakeholders to offer support through civil society organizations. She noted that collaboration among all parties is crucial to effectively address this issue. “They can also provide pathways for communities to access the assistance they need,” she added.
In response to questions about the challenges some officials encounter due to language barriers, she mentioned the existence of specific channels that stakeholders should follow when engaging with communities. “There is a development link in the community that aids not only in sharing information but also in its translation,” Veitata explained.
Nonetheless, she insists that collective efforts are essential to tackle the issues communities face during and after disasters.