In a significant move towards enhancing community resilience, Fiji’s Minister for Public Works, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has underscored the crucial role of involving women in village discussions, especially on vital issues such as water management. Speaking at the Climate Resilience Pathways: Water Security & WASH in Asia-Pacific Suva Conference, he emphasized the need for gender equity and social inclusion in developmental discussions.
Minister Tuisawau pointed out that women are disproportionately affected by decisions regarding water management, often being the primary managers of water resources within their households. He urged village councils to ensure women are included in discussions, noting, “A lot of the Talanoa in our village halls are mostly men. But when we discuss water, we must include women because they are the ones who manage water in the home.”
The minister called for prioritization of the water-energy nexus in forthcoming development initiatives, advocating for comprehensive strategies that recognize the importance of both water and energy in sustainable community practices.
Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Vice Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the conference as a platform for exchanging innovative ideas and research data aimed at refining policies and practices. He stressed the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific methods in order to effectively inform water management strategies.
The dialogue surrounding women’s involvement in community decisions is part of a broader trend observed in recent discussions about gender equality in Fiji. Engaging women in critical discussions can not only lead to better outcomes in water management but also contribute to broader social and economic empowerment within communities.
This emphasis on gender equity in community discussions is a hopeful sign of progress, as it acknowledges the invaluable insights and contributions that women bring to local governance and resource management. By fostering inclusive environments that elevate women’s voices, Fiji is paving the way for more effective and sustainable community development.
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