Women’s Fund Fiji: Advancing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Fiji

Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF) remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the human rights of persons with disabilities in Fiji, having invested over FJD $1.2 million since 2018 to support the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation (FDPF) and its affiliates. This support has empowered women and girls with disabilities, fostering their leadership and active participation in decision-making at various levels.

At the 2024 Biennial Meeting of FDPF, which also marks the 40th anniversary of Advocacy and Awareness for the federation, WFF highlighted its continued support which includes strengthening FDPF’s organizational capacity, providing mentorship programs, and facilitating the biennial conference, further bolstering FDPF’s advocacy work nationwide.

Speaking at the opening this morning, Ms. Vicky Yee, Acting Executive Director of Women’s Fund Fiji, praised FDPF’s work in fostering disability inclusion and leadership.

“WFF is proud to be a long-time partner of FDPF. Over the years, we have seen the positive impact your programs have had across Fiji. FDPF’s initiatives have empowered women with disabilities to become leaders and decision-makers,” said Ms. Yee.

A key success was the “Revisioning Women Living with Disabilities” project, which paved the way for women with disabilities to break barriers and take on leadership roles. WFF has also helped FDPF revive inactive branches in Rakiraki, Ba, Lautoka/Yasawa, and Tavua, with new ones formed in Koro and Gau.

Earlier this year, 20 women with disabilities from Tavua participated in empowerment training designed to build their confidence and entrepreneurial skills. This training was a part of FDPF’s broader efforts to support women with disabilities in achieving financial independence and leadership roles.

FDPF President, Lanieta Tuimabu, expressed gratitude for WFF’s partnership, emphasizing its technical and financial support, which has strengthened FDPF’s governance and helped empower women and girls with disabilities.

“We would like to first acknowledge the tremendous support from Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF), through the Australian Government, to the Federation. WFF has not only been a donor but a true partner. This partnership is built on mutual understanding and respect,” Ms Tuimabu said.

“From the beginning of our collaboration, we saw that WFF fully embraced the principle of ‘Nothing about us without us.’ They worked closely with us, engaging in meaningful discussions to ensure that FDPF’s affiliates and functional areas were prioritized,” Ms Tuimabu said.

“This grant has been one of the most successful, as it not only targets women and girls with disabilities but also strengthens our organization. Through capacity-building trainings in governance, finance, and communications, we have been able to enhance our internal structures and staffing, ensuring sustainability for the future,” she added.

Ms. Yee reaffirmed WFF’s commitment to working with FDPF to build a more inclusive future, where persons with disabilities have the tools and opportunities to lead and contribute to their communities.

About Women’s Fund Fiji:
Women’s Fund Fiji is the Pacific’s first national women’s fund, supporting women’s groups, networks, and organizations across Fiji to promote gender justice, human rights, and leadership. WFF prioritizes the inclusion of vulnerable groups, including women and girls with disabilities, by providing resources, capacity-building, and technical support.

For more information, please contact:
Losalini Bolatagici, Communications Officer, Women’s Fund Fiji
[Losalini.Bolatagici@womensfundfiji.org or 679- 3301220]