Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran announced that the government is taking significant steps to create gender-responsive climate action that prioritizes local leadership and addresses community needs. During the launch of the Pacific Women Entrepreneurs as Guardians of Island Adaptation and Nature-Based Business Solutions (Pacifika WE Guardians Initiative), Kiran highlighted the urgency and importance of the initiative.
This new project acknowledges the crucial role of Pacific women, who are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet emerge as resilient leaders in climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and sustainable development. Kiran emphasized that the initiative is developed in close collaboration with local women-led enterprises and community organizations.
Kiran articulated the pressing challenges posed by climate change, citing rising sea levels, severe cyclones, prolonged droughts, coastal erosion, and flooding as ongoing threats to homes, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. She recounted her meeting with women from Africa who had survived the strongest cyclone in the South Pacific, sharing their stories to underline the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
In her remarks, Kiran stated that climate change is not an abstract issue or a distant concern; it is a harsh reality faced daily by communities across Fiji. She noted that no part of Fiji has escaped its impact in recent decades, particularly rural and remote islands where rebuilding efforts pose significant challenges and where women often shoulder the greatest burdens.
Highlighting the invaluable knowledge that Pacific women possess regarding land, oceans, and community resilience, Kiran acknowledged their everyday contributions to livelihoods, resource management, and climate response efforts. She concluded by asserting that Fiji’s strength is rooted in its diversity and stressed the importance of recognizing and empowering all women in their roles as vital supporters of community resilience and sustainability.
This initiative represents a hopeful step towards harnessing the strength and knowledge of Pacific women to effectively combat the climate crisis and foster resilient communities.
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