The Pacific region is set to bolster women’s leadership in climate action with the initiation of the Women POWER Project, a five-year initiative designed to enhance resilience and promote climate justice. This $5 million project is funded by the Canadian Government and is being implemented by Oxfam Canada in partnership with Oxfam in the Pacific, targeting support for women-led climate solutions in Fiji, Kiribati, and Vanuatu.
The official launch of the project took place in Fiji, led by Randeep Sarai, the Canadian Secretary of State for International Development. During the launch, Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, emphasized that climate change represents the most significant threat to Pacific Islands, with women and vulnerable groups disproportionately affected.
Kiran highlighted the vital roles women play in areas such as food security, fisheries, and family wellbeing, stating that they are frequently excluded from crucial decision-making processes, despite being on the frontlines of climate challenges. She asserted, “Empowering women is not optional; it is essential for sustainable development and climate resilience in Fiji and across the Pacific.”
The Minister also noted the persistent under-representation of women in leadership roles in the region, expressing optimism that the Women POWER Project will work towards addressing this issue. The initiative plans to collaborate with local organizations, including the Women in Fisheries Network Fiji, to foster climate resilience, enhance leadership capabilities, and encourage gender-responsive climate action.
The Women POWER Project promises to be a transformative step in recognizing and amplifying women’s contributions to environmental sustainability, reinforcing the idea that gender equality is crucial to effectively tackling climate change in the Pacific.
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