Women in the Pacific are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, yet they are also leading efforts to create solutions within their communities. A notable figure in this movement is Salote Tadokai, who has become 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), holds Australian credentials in International Skills Training and training and assessment courses, which have enhanced her capability to teach effectively at CATD. A mother of six from Naikawaga Village in Tailevu, she credits her achievements to “determination and hard work.”
Her journey started at the Suva Vocational Centre and gained momentum during a 2003 workshop organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for village fisherwomen, where she constructed her first fishing canoe with guidance from her trainer. This experience sparked her interest in boat building, motivating her to help facilitate another fishing canoe workshop for nine women in Dromuninuku, Vanua Levu.
Salote asserts that the boat-building course at CATD, made possible with APTC’s support, will greatly benefit communities that rely on fishing for their livelihoods. “Graduates will gain immensely, and so will their communities. Being able to build and repair boats will enhance their fishing abilities and income generation,” she stated.
As a trainer, Salote takes pride in equipping local youth with boat-building skills, which fortify the community’s resilience. “This course represents more than just building boats—it’s about constructing the future of our community. By acquiring the skills to build and repair boats, we empower our communities to maintain their livelihoods and adapt to a changing climate. I’m honored to be part of this journey,” she expressed.
Salote encourages more women to enroll in the Certificate III in Sustainable Boat Building, noting that while the program has been predominantly male-occupied, there has been a noticeable increase in female enrollment. She remarked, “I urge more women to participate.”
Salote serves as an inspiration for aspiring boat builders, including Arieta Rokotagici Radivatulau, the sole female member of a current cohort of 12 students. Arieta commutes daily by boat from Bau Island to attend classes at CATD. “I am thankful to be part of this course to assist my village in having climate-resilient boats and repairing those that have been damaged,” she said.
This boat-building course is pending accreditation by CATD and APTC and addresses the pressing need for sustainable practices while empowering youth to take the lead in addressing climate change impacts. Aporosa Silatolu, director of CATD, highlighted the significant support from APTC, stating, “This is groundbreaking. The practical experience with modern, sustainable materials and technologies will have a deep and lasting impact when students return to their communities.”