A new 10-year strategy focusing on Disability Inclusive Resilience Development has been launched, aiming to integrate disability and gender inclusion with financial resilience across the Pacific Islands. This comprehensive initiative is particularly designed to benefit women with disabilities in the realms of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.
Emelini Ilolahia, Executive Director of the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (PIANGO), emphasized that the strategy is aimed at promoting long-term resilience and independence for people with disabilities, enabling them to flourish even amid crises. To achieve this, the strategy prioritizes improving access to education and employment, which will significantly aid local partners dedicated to supporting these communities.
Sainimili Tawake, the CEO of the Pacific Disability Forum, highlighted the need for advocacy towards inclusive banking, social protection measures, and government assistance. She advocates for recognizing financial independence as a basic right to pave the way for greater financial security among women with disabilities.
However, Ilolahia also raised concerns about the challenges of securing funding for local communities. While there is a push to allocate resources effectively, she noted that existing protocols often obstruct direct access to necessary financial support, making it difficult for communities to implement meaningful changes.
The strategy’s introduction coincided with International Women’s Day, underlining that resilience planning should inclusively address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, especially in the context of climate change and natural disasters. This initiative builds on previous discussions that focused on the demands of individuals with disabilities, advocating for active community participation and sustainable partnerships.
The strategy resonates with themes presented at a recent regional conference where advocates and institutions collaborated to establish frameworks for inclusive disaster response. The partnership between the Pacific Disability Forum and UN Women seeks to not only implement practical solutions but also to foster a movement promoting equal environments for everyone, ensuring that no one is overlooked during emergencies.
As this initiative progresses, there is a hopeful outlook that collective efforts will highlight the importance of inclusivity and resilience in the Pacific Islands, contributing to a more empowered and equitable society for all individuals, particularly those facing disabilities.
Leave a comment