The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) is making notable strides to enhance gender equality in land access, as indicated by recent statistics. As of June, 224 out of 1,301 leases issued were allocated to women, a move that highlights TLTB’s commitment to ensuring that women are represented in the economic utilization and ownership of land.
Chief Executive Solomone Nata emphasized the importance of these initiatives as part of TLTB’s broader strategic plan aimed at promoting equity. This focus underscores a commitment to providing opportunities for women across customary settings, an area traditionally dominated by men. Notably, among the leases issued, 117 were granted to iTaukei women and 107 to women from other races, demonstrating TLTB’s commitment to inclusivity.
Nata specifically mentioned that 24 of the iTaukei women receiving leases are members of their landowning units, thereby leasing their own land. He stated, “Our goal is to remove systemic barriers so that women—whether iTaukei or from other backgrounds—are given equal opportunities to access land for various uses, including residential, agricultural, or commercial.”
The encouragement extends beyond just statistics; TLTB is calling on communities and development partners to support the initiative by encouraging more female applications for leases and working to eliminate any cultural or institutional biases that may impede this progress. This proactive approach showcases the board’s determination to facilitate women’s pivotal role in community development and economic growth.
In related efforts reflected in previous articles, TLTB has been actively seeking to bolster economic empowerment among iTaukei landowners. The establishment of supportive funds like the iTaukei Development Fund aims to address financial barriers, hoping to promote entrepreneurship and resource utilization across the board. Such measures serve to ensure not only land access but also create sustainable opportunities for growth and personal development.
The outlook is promising as TLTB’s focus on gender equality in land access complements ongoing initiatives aimed at elevating the economic status of the iTaukei community at large, reflecting a hopeful vision for future advancements in both social and economic empowerment.
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