Over the past three weeks, the WiFN-Fiji Team has been in the field conducting reviews of Community Disaster Plans across nine communities from 10–14 and 17–20 November 2025. The third week from the 24-27 November 2025, these plans were formally endorsed at the community level and by the Ba & Ra Provincial Administrators and Provincial Offices.
A key focus of this initiative was ensuring that women fishers’ voices and priorities were integrated into disaster planning. Their objectives include:
- Safeguarding fisheries-based livelihoods during disasters and recovery.
- Ensuring safe access to coastal and marine resources even in times of crisis.
- Promoting gender-inclusive preparedness and response actions that recognize women’s leadership roles.
- Strengthening community food security by protecting traditional knowledge and sustainable fishing practices.
By combining local knowledge with modern strategies, these disaster plans aim to strengthen preparedness and response capacity, while ensuring that priority risk reduction actions reflect the needs of all community members, including women fishers.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our partners and stakeholders for their tremendous support: DFAT, Fiji AHP – Australian Humanitarian Partnership, Oxfam in the Pacific, Mr. Nemani Susu, Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation Mr. Jay Nasilasila, Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management in Suva, Ba and Ra, Ba Provincial Council Office, Ra Provincial Council Office, and the nine communities under AHP: Yaloku, Nanuku (Ba), Togovere, Vitawa, Namuaimada, Nanukuloa, Saioko, Verevere, and Nadavacia Villages (Ra).
Together, we are building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities where women’s contributions to resilience and fisheries management are recognized and protected.
