The Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF) has officially initiated its 2024 grant cycle, allocating funds to 17 newly selected grantee partners dedicated to promoting gender equality and facilitating impactful social change across Fiji. This initiative aims to empower diverse women’s organizations and groups aligned with intersectional feminist principles.
The grants this year emphasize five crucial focus 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 at WFF, noted that many grantee partners are particularly concentrated on supporting rural and remote communities, highlighting the importance of their efforts in fostering resilient and sustainable change where it is most needed.
“Our vision for the Fund is to create inclusive, long-term funding models that are responsive to the various realities of feminist social change,” stated Ms. Naisara. She underscored the significance of community-driven actions in initiating transformations and reiterated the organization’s commitment to partnering with local leaders who strive for change within their communities.
The initiative has garnered support from the Australian and New Zealand High Commissions, recognizing the ongoing efforts to advance gender equality. Ms. Elliot, a senior program manager at the Australian High Commission, praised the capacity building, awareness-raising, and connections being fostered by these groups, emphasizing the importance of collective responses to emerging issues affecting all genders in Fiji.
Similarly, the New Zealand High Commission expressed their support for WFF’s expansion into rural areas, strengthening connections and resources for women in these communities. Ms. Anderson pointed out that real transformative change comes from addressing the constraints, biases, and perceptions that hinder women’s rights and opportunities.
The 2024 funding cycle has provided grants to a variety of organizations, including the Cicia Women’s Network, Taveuni Empowerment Women’s Support Group, and Rise Beyond the Reef, among others.
This funding marks a significant step forward in the journey toward gender equality in Fiji, with local organizations at the forefront of the movement. Ongoing support from both international and local partners indicates a collective commitment to fostering resilience and empowering women throughout the region, sowing the seeds for transformative change in society.
In summary, the Women’s Fund Fiji’s 2024 grant cycle not only focuses on addressing critical issues affecting women but also signifies a collaborative approach towards fostering real change in communities across Fiji. It embodies a hopeful vision of empowered women and inclusive societies driving progress in numerous areas of life.
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