Women in the Pacific are facing increased burdens due to the climate crisis, which includes heightened caregiving responsibilities and a rise in gender-based violence, according to Nalini Singh, executive director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM). Speaking at the Pacific International Media Conference in Suva, Singh highlighted that the Pacific region is disproportionately impacted by climate change due to limited access to resources and information necessary for timely adaptation and response.
Singh pointed out the lack of evidence on the impact of the climate crisis on women entrepreneurs, despite its substantial effect on various industries. She emphasized that the crisis has a disproportionate impact on women, particularly in vulnerable communities, as evidenced by media coverage.
The gender disparities in the Pacific extend to low labor force participation and the unequal distribution of unpaid care work. According to the Fiji Country Gender Assessment (FCGA) report launched in 2023, women in Fiji perform three-quarters of the unpaid work for their families.
Singh also addressed the barriers women face in attaining leadership roles, attributing these challenges to societal norms, gender bias, and unpaid care responsibilities. She noted that women occupy around 21 percent of board seats, 11 percent of board chairperson positions, and 30 percent of CEO roles in Fiji.
Emphasizing the importance of diversity, Singh called for the inclusion of women’s perspectives and expertise in leadership roles. She also urged the media to support the women’s movement by amplifying women’s voices and challenging gender stereotypes.