Concerns about the impact of the draft national housing policy for 2024-2030 on women in rural areas were raised during a consultation held last Wednesday. Akisi Korodrau, a participant in the discussion, emphasized the relevance of this issue given her work with the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei.
“In what way will community women benefit from this housing policy?” Korodrau questioned. She highlighted that some women in the community are landowners and that there are single mothers among them. She expressed her concerns about how the policy would address the needs of these women, particularly those living in rural settings.
“Discussions around standards often revolve around financial resources. How can we support our disadvantaged women in villages?” she added.
Housing Advisor Keith Hornby from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade acknowledged Korodrau’s concerns and stated that the draft policy would allow her to assess whether it adequately addresses the issues she has identified.
He mentioned that it is essential to understand existing systems, especially regarding grants for housing construction that the Ministry of Rural Maritime Development provides. Hornby pointed out the potential for refining these policies to ensure that support from other ministries includes the specific circumstances affecting women.
“This policy aims to lay out a strategic vision that addresses the challenges faced by single women,” he said. “It’s crucial that we incorporate these considerations so that relevant technical assistance is available and that village housing grants effectively reach this particular group within their communities.”