Partnering with Landowners for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, 2023

As the sun was just trying to break through dawn on Saturday morning the 2^nd of December, our staff joined the Namoli Youth in planting mangroves along the Namoli village foreshore in Lautoka.

This was an initiative whereby the Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF) collaborated with the iTaukei Landowners through the Ministry of Youth and Sports with regards to supporting the initiatives of the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based violence.

Led by the Turaga na Taukei Vidilo – Ratu Wiliame Bouwalu, the group managed to plant 150 mangrove seedlings contributing to providing climate justice solutions, which is an upcoming area of focus that is also supported by our donors and sponsors: MFAT, DFAT, and Fiji Water with WFF as the Grantor on their behalf.

The activity was just the first part (Part 1) of the 10 days commemoration of the 16 days of Activism. The second part was the learning and fun event that continued at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka City from 9:00am to 2:30am.

Taukei Vidilo conveyed the sincere appreciation of the Vanua o Vidilo to WFF and all its Donor partners and also to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the partnership.

The Youths taking the lead role in the initiative was a build-up to youth empowerment. Whilst the act may seem so simple, it is also very significant as it contributes to addressing climate change initiatives and resilience for the numerous disasters that are faced by the communities living along the coastal areas  and in urban areas. Its positive impacts will be realised over decades for the people of Vidilo and the City of Lautoka.

The Namoli Youth Group looks forward to increased participation and cooperation, not only with the Ministry of Youth, but also with the Women’s Fund Fiji and other supporting partners.