Women in the Pacific region are increasingly facing the effects of climate change, but they are also leading initiatives to address these challenges within their communities. An inspiring case is Salote Tadokai, who is Fiji’s first female assistant trainer for 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), possesses Australian qualifications in International Skills Training along with TVET trainer and assessor courses, which have improved her teaching capabilities and enabled her to effectively impart her knowledge at CATD.
A mother of six from Naikawaga Village, Namara in Tailevu, Salote credits her achievements to her “determination and hard work.” Her journey in boat building began at the Suva Vocational Centre and during a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) workshop in 2003, where she crafted her first fishing canoe with guidance from her instructor.
This experience fueled her enthusiasm for boat building, prompting her to co-facilitate another workshop for nine women in Dromuninuku, Vanua Levu. Salote believes that the boat-building course at CATD, which is supported by APTC, will greatly benefit communities relying on fisheries for their livelihoods.
“Graduates will gain significantly, as will their communities. The skills to build and repair boats will boost their fishing capacity and income generation,” she stated.
As a trainer, Salote takes pride in teaching local youth boat-building skills, thereby enhancing the resilience of their community. “This course is about more than just constructing boats—it’s about empowering our community’s future. By learning how to build and repair boats, we enable our communities to sustain their livelihoods and adapt to climate changes. I am proud to be part of this journey,” she expressed.
Salote is optimistic about increasing female participation in the Certificate III in Sustainable Boat Building program. “While most of the courses are male-dominated, we are witnessing an increase in female enrollment. I encourage more women to participate,” she remarked.
She serves as a role model for aspiring boat builders, such as Arieta Rokotagici Radivatulau, who is currently the only woman among the 12 students. Arieta commutes daily by boat from Bau Island to attend classes at CATD. “I am thankful to be part of this course so I can contribute to my village’s climate-resilient boats and repair those that are damaged,” she said.
The course, which CATD and APTC are seeking to have accredited, aims to address the urgent need for sustainable practices and empowers youth to take the lead in combatting climate change impacts. Aporosa Silatolu, director of CATD, acknowledged the crucial support from APTC, stating, “This is revolutionary. The hands-on experience with modern, sustainable materials and technologies will have a lasting impact when students return to their villages.”