AS Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF) celebrates five years as an independent organisation, its work continues to be guided by five strategic pillars designed to advance gender equality across the country.
For nearly eight years, the Fund has supported women-led organisations responding to some of Fiji’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Its five thematic priorities reflect the interconnected realities facing women and girls today.
At the forefront is the elimination of violence against women and girls. Across Fiji, community organisations provide counselling, safe spaces, legal referrals and awareness programs aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence. Women’s Fund Fiji strengthens this work by investing in both survivor support services and prevention initiatives that engage men, boys, faith leaders and communities in challenging harmful norms.
Economic empowerment forms the second pillar. The Fund supports women’s livelihoods, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and access to markets, enabling women to build income-generating opportunities and increase their participation in decision-making within households and communities. From rural cooperatives to urban small enterprises, these initiatives promote financial independence as a pathway to equality.
Under its Women’s Coalition for Change pillar, WFF fosters collaboration and solidarity among women’s rights organisations. By supporting joint advocacy, shared learning platforms and coordinated campaigns, the Fund strengthens collective voices to influence policy and national discourse. The approach recognises that long-term transformation requires coordinated movement-building, not isolated efforts.
Climate Justice and Humanitarian Action is another critical focus area. As Fiji faces increasing climate-related challenges, women particularly in rural and maritime communities often bear disproportionate impacts. The Fund supports women-led initiatives in disaster preparedness, environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods, while also enabling flexible responses during times of crisis.
The fifth pillar, Women’s Leadership and Decision Making, invests in strengthening governance systems, advocacy skills and organisational development. By prioritising young women, rural women, women with disabilities and LGBTQI communities, the Fund works to ensure inclusive participation in leadership at all levels.
Grant Call Opens in April
Women-led organisations and community groups across Fiji will have the opportunity to apply for funding when Women’s Fund Fiji opens its next grant call on April 1.
The Fund is inviting applications from groups working across its five thematic areas: Eliminating violence against women and girls; Women’s economic empowerment; Women’s Coalition for Change; Climate justice and humanitarian action; and Women’s leadership and decision making.
In the lead-up to the grant opening, the Women’s Fund Fiji team has been conducting information sessions across various divisions to guide organisations through the application process. These sessions provide clarity on eligibility criteria, proposal requirements and funding priorities, particularly targeting grassroots and rural groups that may have limited access to funding information.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor Women’s Fund Fiji’s website and social media platforms for detailed guidelines and updates.
The upcoming grant round represents another step in expanding support for women-led initiatives nationwide, reinforcing the Fund’s commitment to advancing gender equality through locally driven solutions.
Right: Economic empowerment is one of five strategic pillars designed to advance gender equality across the country. Picture: SUPPLIED
