Concerns concerning the impact of the draft national housing policy for 2024-2030 on women in rural areas were voiced during a consultation held last Wednesday. Participant Akisi Korodrau, who is actively involved with the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei, emphasized the significance of these issues.
She questioned how women from the community would benefit from the proposed housing policy, highlighting that some are landowners or single mothers. Korodrau expressed apprehension about how the policy would address the needs of impoverished women residing in villages.
Keith Hornby, a Housing Advisor from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, responded by stating that the draft policy aims to shed light on the issues raised by Korodrau. He noted the importance of understanding existing systems that provide grants for housing construction in rural areas and emphasized the need for refinements to ensure these programs meet the circumstances faced by women in the community.
Hornby reiterated that the policy aims to create a strategic vision that addresses the specific challenges faced by women, particularly single women, in rural contexts. He stressed the necessity for the policy to ensure appropriate considerations for this demographic when providing housing grants.