WOMEN’S groups in Fiji’s rural and maritime communities are creating opportunities for economic empowerment, leadership and improved wellbeing, with locally driven initiatives showing the difference targeted funding can make.
New Zealand High Commission First Secretary Jane Anderson highlighted the impact of community-led projects during the launch of Women’s Fund Fiji’s 2026 grantee partners at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay recently.
Ms Anderson said New Zealand supported the Fund through its Gender Programme in Fiji, Marama ni Viti, with assistance helping extend its reach to women’s groups in rural and maritime areas.
During visits to Vanuabalavu, as well as Savusavu and Taveuni, she met grant recipients and learned about the changes their initiatives were bringing to their communities.
“We talked about some of the challenges faced by women and girls living in the maritime communities, but mostly the conversations focused on the positive change that the groups had been able to achieve with the grant funding,” she said.
Among those she met were women working as leaders, entrepreneurs, gardeners, beekeepers, florists and artisans.
Ms Anderson said she was struck by their resilience and determination to improve the lives of women and young girls despite the challenges they faced.
She also praised Women’s Fund Fiji for helping organisations identify and pursue their own priorities rather than imposing solutions from outside their communities.
“Sustainable change is strongest when it is locally led, grounded in community realities, and driven by the people most affected by the challenges they seek to address.”
Ms Anderson said the organisations receiving support represented diverse communities, experiences and aspirations.
She congratulated both new and returning grantee partners, acknowledging their commitment to advancing the wellbeing, leadership and empowerment of women and girls.
“By working together, learning from one another, and supporting communities to realise their own aspirations, we can help create a more equal, resilient and prosperous future for all.”
