The Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF) has announced its 2024 grant cycle, allocating funds to 17 new partner organizations dedicated to promoting gender equality and enacting significant social change across Fiji. This initiative aligns with the WFF’s mission to empower a diverse range of women’s groups, gender-diverse organizations, and feminist movements rooted in intersectional feminist principles.
The focus of this year’s grant funding encompasses five primary areas: Women’s Economic Empowerment, Ending Violence Against Women, Women’s Leadership and Decision-Making, Climate Justice and Humanitarian Action, and Strengthening Women’s Coalitions for Change. Patricia Naisara, Co-Chair of the Governance Board, highlighted that many of the grantee partners will concentrate their efforts on rural, semi-rural, and remote communities, emphasizing the importance of their work in building resilience and fostering sustainable change in areas where it is most needed.
Naisara expressed the belief that community-driven action is vital for sparking movement and change. She stated, “We’re honored to stand alongside our partners who are crucial in defining and propelling this movement for change.”
The Australian High Commission’s senior program manager recognized the impactful efforts of these partners in advancing gender equality through capacity building, awareness-raising, and fostering connections among women’s groups. The Australian government’s commitment to prioritizing gender equality in its foreign policy enhances the broader collaborative efforts to elevate women leaders and bolster women’s economic opportunities in Fiji.
Similarly, New Zealand High Commission’s First Secretary Jane Anderson reiterated her government’s commitment to supporting resilient development in the Pacific, especially in rural and maritime areas. She emphasized that transformative change occurs when there is awareness and action against the constraints that limit women and girls’ rights and opportunities at various societal levels.
The 2024 grant recipients include a variety of organizations such as the Cicia Women’s Network, Levukana Women’s Association, and the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council, among others. This diverse group signifies a broad commitment to empowering women and advocating for their rights across Fiji.
Overall, the efforts of the Women’s Fund Fiji and its partners represent a beacon of hope, highlighting the power of community action and collaboration in driving significant social change, ultimately fostering an inclusive society where gender equality thrives. This funding initiative not only aims to uplift women’s voices and contributions but also sets a precedent for sustainable development rooted in respect and equality, paving the way for a brighter future for all Fijians.
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