The Pacific Feminist Fund (PFF) has emerged as a significant regional initiative aimed at advancing gender equality, having undergone a transformative journey that began with a collective vision. Recently, the PFF launched its inaugural Learning Report, providing insights into its development and unveiling a timeline of various milestones, partnerships, and foundational elements that shaped its establishment as a feminist fund for the Pacific.
The foundational period of the PFF, stretching from 2019 to 2021, was marked by a pivotal scoping study that revealed a concerning funding gap for women’s organizations in the Pacific—less than 1% of financial support was directed toward these groups. This study catalyzed the call for a regional fund to enhance resource allocation for women’s initiatives, a recommendation that gained traction during the second Pacific Feminist Forum in 2019, attended by over 150 activists and feminists.
Throughout 2020, the PFF team began mobilizing efforts by forming two key groups—a Steering Committee and an Advisory Group—comprised of local feminists and human rights defenders. Funding from partners such as the Foundation for a Just Society facilitated this groundwork, allowing the PFF to develop its operational framework while navigating the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, a significant breakthrough occurred when the Dutch government initiated support for a consortium of women’s funds that included the PFF, alongside commitments from the New Zealand government, which became the first bilateral donor to provide foundational funding for PFF’s operations. This strategic support enabled the PFF to thrive and expand its team to include various roles essential for resource mobilization and grant management.
As of 2023, with the official registration of PFF as a Charitable Entity in New Zealand and its formal launch at the third Pacific Feminist Forum, the fund is poised to make a substantial impact. The PFF is committed to amplifying the voices of feminist movements within the Pacific through its funding approach, which prioritizes listening and learning during its inception phase, followed by increased funding and broader engagement across its next phases.
The overarching goal of the PFF is not just to provide financial resources but to create a sustainable and responsive ecosystem that recognizes and addresses the unique demands of Pacific women and gender-diverse communities. As the PFF sets sail on this transformative voyage, it embodies the collective spirit and resilience of the Pacific feminist movement, aiming to fortify connections and share knowledge that can propel gender equity forward.
Reflecting on the recent shifts in the global funding landscape, characterized by reduced U.S. and European aid for women’s rights programs, the importance of localized feminist funds such as the PFF becomes increasingly crucial. These funds can effectively mobilize resources and support initiatives that are responsive to the immediate needs of their communities.
The Pacific Feminist Fund’s journey exemplifies hope and solidarity, embodying the belief that empowered local movements are pivotal for achieving long-term gender justice and equality in the Pacific region, especially in the context of environmental crises and social inequalities.
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