As the Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF) marks its fifth anniversary as an independent organization, its commitment to advancing gender equality remains steadfast, supported by five strategic pillars designed to address the multifaceted challenges women and girls face in Fiji.
For nearly eight years, the Fund has played a critical role in supporting women-led organizations that tackle pressing social, economic, and environmental issues. Its focus areas encapsulate the interconnected realities of women’s experiences today.
Central to its mission is the elimination of violence against women and girls. Throughout Fiji, community organizations provide essential services such as counseling, safe spaces, legal referrals, and awareness programs aimed at preventing and addressing gender-based violence. WFF enhances these efforts through investments in survivor support services and initiatives aimed at engaging men, boys, faith leaders, and communities in redefining harmful social norms.
The second pillar focuses on economic empowerment. By promoting women’s livelihoods, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and market access, the Fund enables women to create income-generating opportunities and to take active roles in decision-making processes within households and communities. This includes initiatives that span from rural cooperatives to urban small enterprises, aiming to foster financial independence as a key to achieving equality.
Under the Women’s Coalition for Change pillar, WFF emphasizes collaboration and solidarity among women’s rights organizations. By facilitating joint advocacy, shared learning, and coordinated campaigns, the Fund amplifies collective voices and influences policy and national discourse. This holistic approach recognizes that sustainable transformation is best achieved through collective action rather than isolated initiatives.
Another significant focus area for the Fund is Climate Justice and Humanitarian Action. As Fiji faces increasing climate-related challenges, the impacts disproportionately affect women, particularly those in rural and maritime regions. The Fund backs women-led initiatives aimed at disaster preparedness, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods, while also ensuring flexible responses during crisis situations.
The fifth priority, Women’s Leadership and Decision Making, centers on bolstering governance structures, enhancing advocacy skills, and developing organizations. By prioritizing the voices and needs of young women, rural women, those with disabilities, and LGBTQI communities, WFF aims to ensure inclusive participation in leadership across all levels.
On April 1, Women’s Fund Fiji will open its next grant call, providing women-led organizations and community groups across the country with the opportunity to apply for funding aligned with its five strategic areas. The Fund is especially inviting applications from groups dedicated to eliminating violence against women, promoting economic empowerment, facilitating coalition building, supporting climate justice, and enhancing women’s leadership.
In the lead-up to this grant opening, the team at WFF is conducting information sessions in various regions to guide organizations through the application process. These sessions aim to clarify eligibility criteria, application requirements, and funding priorities, with a special focus on grassroots and rural groups that may face challenges accessing funding information.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed by following WFF’s website and social media channels for updates and detailed application guidelines. This upcoming grant round signifies a continuing commitment to bolstering support for women-led initiatives nationwide, reiterating the Fund’s dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering local solutions.
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