Rainbow Pride Foundation Highlights Resilience and Sustainability in Action

Rainbow Pride Foundation Highlights Resilience and Sustainability in Action

Pacific Harbour, Fiji – Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF) kickstarted its Annual Reflections and Learning Workshop this  morning at The Pearl Resort with a powerful call to action from Fiji Women’s Rights Movement Executive Director Nalini Singh, urging feminist movements to reimagine funding and build sustainable futures for all.

Following this inspiring opening, Rainbow Pride Foundation (RPF) Interim CEO, Asaeli Sinusetaki, joined the plenary session on “Resilience and Sustainability in Action” to share insights on what sustainability means for RPF and how the organization continues to build resilience amid funding challenges.

In his remarks, Mr. Sinusetaki paid tribute to the late CEO and founder Isikeli Vulavou, whose vision and leadership established RPF as a champion of human rights and visibility for LGBTQI+ communities in Fiji and the Pacific. He noted that even during financially difficult times, this foundational work continued to open new opportunities for the organization.

Mr. Sinusetaki spoke candidly about the risks associated with funding uncertainty, including staff losses, compliance challenges, and reduced service delivery capacity. Despite these challenges, he highlighted the unwavering commitment of RPF’s Hub members — volunteers who continue to show up and serve their communities. This year alone, RPF organized 15 HIV outreach campaigns, with members participating in 12 of them despite knowing there would be no stipends.

He also acknowledged the critical support of the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) for providing office space when funds were low, Board Secretary Christopher Lutukivuya for his ongoing guidance, and Women’s Fund Fiji for its consistent partnership in strengthening RPF’s institutional capacity. Through WFF’s support in areas such as audits, strategic planning, annual reporting, and human resource systems, RPF has been able to secure additional funding and continue its advocacy work.

Mr. Sinusetaki concluded with a message that resonated deeply with the audience:

“Being resilient is about recognizing your limitations and advocating for others to take up the space you can’t. True resilience is not just about individual strength but about building a strong, supportive community where members help one another flourish.”

The Annual Reflections and Learning Workshop serves as a key platform for WFF partners to share learnings, challenges, and innovations in advancing gender equality, human rights, and social justice across Fiji.

ENDS