Women Lead Climate Action in Yavusania Village

For years, the people of Yavusania Village in Sikituru, Nadi have lived in fear of the rain. What should bring life instead brought chaos—triggering severe flooding, displacing families, and eroding the riverbanks that bordered their homes.

Before the reclamation and strengthening of the riverbank.

Now, a women-led initiative is changing that narrative.

With support from Soqosoqo Vakamarama Ba in partnership with Women’s Fund Fiji under the Climate Justice and Humanitarian Action thematic area, the women of Yavusania have spearheaded a riverbank reclamation project that is already showing visible results.

The project focused on reclaiming lost land and strengthening the riverbank using boulders to reduce erosion. It also incorporated the planting of vetiver grass—a nature-based solution—to help stabilise the soil and prevent floodwaters from spilling into the village. According to Village Headman Kalivata Nagata, the impact has been both immediate and profound.

“Everyone knows that every time it rains, we are badly affected. But now, that has changed—thanks to the women-led project,” Nagata said. “We had people who lost their land and had to leave their homes. This project is changing that. And it’s led by the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei Ba. We’ve seen the benefits, and we are truly thankful.”

Turaga ni Koro shows the work already done

Only a small section—about five metres at the far end—remains exposed. After most of the riverbank was secured, it became clear that this was the only area where water continued to enter during heavy rain. However, it has not led to any major flooding. The difference has been remarkable. What was once catastrophic and overwhelming has now been reduced to manageable water levels, with the village no longer submerged when it rains.

The women’s leadership in this climate adaptation project is seen as not only essential for survival, but also transformative in challenging traditional gender roles in decision-making and development.

It isn’t just about flood prevention but it’s about women reclaiming agency over their land and their future, while leading solutions that benefit the whole community.

For Women’s Fund Fiji, the project reflects the core belief that gender justice is central to climate justice. When women are empowered to lead, the results are more inclusive, effective, and enduring.

As the final stretch of the riverbank awaits reinforcement, the people of Yavusania are no longer living in fear. They are moving forward, rebuilding their lives with strength and purpose, led by the women who have long cared for and protected their community.

The success of this project stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when grassroots women are trusted to lead. With their vision, commitment, and resilience, they are not only reclaiming land—but also redefining leadership and resilience in the face of climate change.

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