A $1.5 million grant has been signed between the US Department of State and Pacific Community (SPC) to promote leadership in climate and clean energy for Pacific women and girls.
SPC principal strategic lead — Pacific women and girls Mereseini Rakuita said this was a milestone achievement.
Ms Rakuita said the gender equity and equality action grant was about enhancing the visibility and participation of women in the clean energy sector for the Pacific.
“I say it is a milestone because the journey has been long to put together a strategic action plan and do this work in the Pacific,” she said.
“It is really with the assistance of the US Government, with the embassy here, on the recognition for this work.
“And the investment, that is so much needed that is finally going into this to unpack the action plan for our member countries.”
Ms Rakuita said the inclusion of women in the energy sector was evident in Fiji.
“For example, you would have heard of the Solar Mamas from Fiji who had gone for training in India, through Barefoot College and (they) have come back and solar electrified their own communities. Those kind of impactful stories is what we hope to see in the region.
“Clean energy through biogas is another area that is upcoming in the region and which an investment like this could amplify for our member countries.
“So, it is not only about including women, but also about ensuring the sustainable blue Pacific that we aim for, has women and girls on the forefront.”
The grant will support the implementation of SPC’s Pacific Energy and Gender Strategic Action Plan (PEGSAP), launched in October, 2022 at the Pacific Regional Women in Energy Conference.
