WOMEN leaders in the Pacific region are poised to take centre stage in climate resilience and sustainable development, thanks to a new initiative funded by the Government of Canada.
The Women POWER (Pacific Oceanic Women Enhancing Resilience) Project was officially launched this week, signaling a significant step forward for gender-transformative climate adaptation across Fiji, Kiribati, and Vanuatu.
The five-year $CAD5 million project is supported by Global Affairs Canada and implemented on the ground by Oxfam Canada in partnership with Oxfam in the Pacific.
Women POWER aims to strengthen women-led responses to the climate crisis, expand leadership opportunities, and amplify the voices of women and girls throughout the region.
Oxfam’s Executive Director in the Pacific, Eunice Wotene, highlighted the initiative’s significance.
“This project builds on our longstanding work to address gender injustice, empower women, and combat gender inequality and violence,’’ she said.
“By working closely with partners such as Women in Fisheries and climate action networks in Kiribati and Vanuatu, we are uniting women to drive change within their communities.”
Wotene emphasized that Women POWER complements ongoing efforts in the region and is critical not only for Oxfam and its partners, but also for the many Pacific communities that will benefit from enhanced resilience and advocacy for climate justice.
“We are continually seeking new opportunities for funding, both from Canada and other international donors, to sustain and expand our impact in empowering women and girls,” she said.
Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, attended the launch and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to gender equality and climate action in the Pacific.
“Women in Pacific communities are at the forefront of the climate crisis, yet they also play a central role in sustaining households and leading nature-based solutions,” Sarai said.
“When women and girls have the tools to lead, earn a living, and advocate for their rights, entire communities become more resilient.”
Sarai described the Women POWER Project as an innovative and meaningful investment for inclusive and sustainable development.
“Canada values our longstanding partnerships in the Pacific and our shared commitment to equality, resilience, and inclusive growth. We look forward to witnessing the impact of this project and to building stronger, more resilient communities together.”
As climate challenges intensify in the Pacific, Women POWER is set to empower a new generation of women leaders, ensuring that their voices shape the future of their communities and the region.