WOMEN’S Fund Fiji says funding must reach women and community groups whose work is often less visible but plays a vital role in addressing inequality and improving lives across Fiji.
Speaking at the launch of the Fund’s 2026 cohort of grantee partners in Lami recently, board member Marlene Dutta said the organisation recognised that people experienced discrimination differently and that those closest to the challenges should have a say in how resources were used.
“Our approach recognises that people experience discrimination differently, and that those closest to the challenges must have a voice in deciding how resources are used,” she said.
Ms Dutta said reaching rural and remote communities was important, as was recognising groups whose contributions might not receive widespread attention.
“Our role is to help resources reach this work and to listen to the people doing it.”
The Fund approved 44 grants worth approximately $4.61million over their grant terms after receiving 151 applications.
The new cohort included 23 first-time grantee partners.
Ms Dutta said the impact of grants extended beyond the financial assistance provided, enabling women to earn independent incomes, communities to recognise women’s leadership and organisations to strengthen their advocacy.
She also stressed the importance of collaboration among grantee partners, encouraging them to share experiences, learn from one another and build relationships that could continue beyond the grant program.
She said the Fund’s orientation program would help partners understand grant requirements, raise questions and exchange practical knowledge.
Ms Dutta acknowledged the support of international donors and development partners, including the Australian and New Zealand governments, Equality Fund, Mama Cash and Fondation Chanel.
She said the Fund valued the trust placed in it by organisations working to advance the rights and wellbeing of women and gender non-conforming people throughout Fiji.
