Women’s Fund Fiji Announces 2024 Grants: Empowering 17 New Partners for Gender Equality and Social Change

Suva, Fiji —Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF) proudly launches its 2024 grant cycle, awarding funding to 17 new grantee partners committed to advancing gender equality and driving meaningful social change throughout Fiji. These grants strengthen the organization’s mission to support diverse women’s groups, gender-diverse organizations, and feminist movements in line with intersectional feminist principles.

This year’s funding focuses on five key areas: Women’s Economic Empowerment, Ending Violence Against Women, Women’s Leadership and Decision-Making, Climate Justice and Humanitarian Action, and Strengthening Women’s Coalitions for Change.

Women’s Fund Fiji Co-Chair of the Governance Board Patricia Naisara said most of the grantee partners are focusing their efforts on rural, semi-rural and remote communities making their work vital in strengthening resilience of communities and creating sustainable change where it is needed the most.

“Our vision for the Fund is to foster inclusive and long-term funding models that are responsive to the intersectional realities of feminist social change that honor principles of redistribution and collaborative partnership,” Ms Naisara said.

“A movement begins with communities and people, each taking action. With this cohort of grants, we continue to support local leaders who work tirelessly to foster change in their own communities. Our partners are key to defining and driving this movement for change, and we are honored to stand alongside them.”

The Senior Program Manager from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the Australian High Commission congratulated the grantees, acknowledging their exceptional efforts to advance gender equality in their communities through capacity building, raising awareness, and fostering connections with other women’s groups.

“These actions will help contribute to the way we respond collectively to address the emerging issues affecting women, men and children in Fiji,” Ms Elliot said.

“Because gender equality is a core priority in Australia’s Foreign Policy, economic diplomacy and development investments, we are working with governments, regional organisations, UN agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector to increase women leaders’ decision making and strengthen women’s economic advancement. Our partnership with Women’s Fund Fiji is a good example of this collaboration.”

New Zealand High Commission First Secretary Jane Anderson said the NZ Government was committed to fostering resilience and supporting resilient development in the Pacific with particular focus on rural and maritime areas and through community-centred approach. Their support has enabled the expansion of WFF’s work to rural and maritime communities helping WFF to better serve women’s groups in remote areas.

“Transformative change happens when we shine a light on the constraints, the attitudes, the perceptions and the biases that limit women and girls human rights or their opportunities whether at the household level, the community level, in the formal or informal sector, or in spaces where decision are made. It also happens when we (NZ Government) support women’s rights organisations and their priorities,” Ms Anderson added.

These organizations, spanning diverse regions and focus areas, will work to empower women, enhance economic resilience, and promote health, equality, and sustainable practices across communities in Fiji.

The 2024 funding cycle of Women’s Fund Fiji has awarded grants to Cicia Women’s Network, Levukana Women’s Association, Taveuni Empowerment Women’s Support Group, Soqosoqo Vakamarama Cakaudrove, BIRTH Fiji, Garden Creations Cluster Group, Lifebread Stay Connected Foundation, Rise Beyond the Reef, Ra Naari Parishad, Girl Guides Fiji, Pacific Rainbow Advocacy Network, Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding, Soqosoqo Vakamarama Ba, Medical Services Pacific, Women Entrepreneurs Business Council, Fiji Cancer Society, and Saumakia Women’s Club from Naitasiri.

Women’s Fund Fiji extends sincere gratitude to its donors, including the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Zealand Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Equality Fund, Mama Cash, Prospera and Women’s Fund Asia and Fenominal Fund whose invaluable support has made this grant cycle possible.

These grants provide resources to organizations dedicated to building capacity, strengthening local leadership, and fostering community-driven change.

About Women’s Fund Fiji

Since 2017, Women’s Fund Fiji has partnered with over 55 women-led organizations, reaching more than 50,000 beneficiaries across Fiji. As the nation’s first fund for women, it aims to empower women’s groups and feminist organizations to lead, innovate, and create lasting change.

For more information, please contact:

Media Contact:

Losalini Bolatagici, Communications Officer

Email: Losalini.Bolatagici@womensfundfiji.org ]