Women in the Pacific face significant challenges due to climate change, yet they are also leading the way in developing solutions within their communities. One notable figure is Salote Tadokai, who has made history as Fiji’s first female assistant trainer in the Certificate III in Sustainable Boat Building course at the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD) in Nadave, Tailevu.
Salote, a graduate of the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), has received Australian qualifications in International Skills Training, as well as training and assessment courses in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). These qualifications have greatly improved her teaching abilities, allowing her to effectively impart her expertise at CATD.
A mother of six from Naikawaga Village in Tailevu, Salote credits her achievements to “determination and hard work.” Her journey began at the Suva Vocational Centre and continued with a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) workshop for village fisherwomen in 2003, where she created her first fishing canoe with the guidance of her trainer.
This experience sparked her interest in boat building, prompting her to collaborate on a second workshop for nine women in Dromuninuku, Vanua Levu. Salote is confident that the boat-building course at CATD, supported by APTC, will provide significant benefits to communities that rely on fisheries for their livelihoods.
“Graduates will gain immensely, along with their communities. Learning to construct and repair boats will boost their fishing capabilities and income generation,” she stated. As a trainer, Salote takes pride in helping local youth acquire boat-building skills, which will enhance the community’s resilience.
“This course goes beyond simply building boats—it’s about creating a sustainable future for our community. By learning to construct and repair boats, we empower our communities to maintain their livelihoods and adapt to climate change. I am honored to be a part of this venture,” she remarked.
Salote aspires for more women to enroll in the Certificate III in Sustainable Boat Building course. “The program has traditionally been male-oriented, but we’ve noticed an increase in female enrolment. I urge more women to join,” she encouraged.
She serves as a role model for aspiring boat builders, such as Arieta Rokotagici Radivatulau, the only woman among the current group of twelve students. Arieta travels each day by boat from Bau Island to attend CATD classes. “I am grateful to be part of this course so I can help my village create climate-resilient boats and repair the damaged ones,” she expressed.
This boat-building course, for which CATD and APTC are seeking accreditation, addresses the critical need for sustainable practices and empowers youth to take a leadership role in combatting climate change. Aporosa Silatolu, the director of CATD, praised APTC for its essential support.
“This initiative is groundbreaking. The practical experience with modern, sustainable materials and technology will have a significant impact when students return to their communities,” he stated.