Page 20 - Islands Business March 2024

women in all sectors and fields.
It is a day to recognize their
perseverance, commitment and
dedication. The day promotes
gender equality by advocating
the reduction of gender
disparities in leadership roles,
Amplifying Voices of Women to Accelerate Progress employment status, education
and all other factors affecting
humanity.
It is a day to remind women that
they are not alone in the battles
they are battling, the issues
they are facing and the places
they are struggling to reach.
It is a day to be re-energised,
to be empowered and be
reminded of the critical role
each one plays in the different
phases of life they go through.
At Femlinnk, we promote this,
(L-R) Semaema Waqa (Nabouwalu Women’s Club), Beda Anjali (District Advisory Councillor Namau, Bua) and Temalesi Lewakila
(Tacilevu Youth Group) at the Fiji Women’s Forum 3rd Intergenerational Convention 2024 on “Women Demand Women’s Leadership”. by amplifying the voice(s) of
women in Fiji and the Pacific.
Considering our societal
femLINKpacific’s impact transcends Fiji’s borders. There make-up, with patriachy being paramount, we believe that
is active collaboration with regional stakeholders and women and feminists alike – no matter their title, seniority
participation in international events ensureing that rural or tenure; can inspire, instigate and accelerate change.
Fijian women’s voices resonate on a global stage and We seek to prompte confidence in expressing oneself,
influence change. self-determination, and courage to inspire other women
to bring about constructive change. At the same time
Celebrating and Recognising Women Achievement encouraging individuals to challenge social conventions
and Contribution International Women’s Day (IWD) and advance inclusion by promoting laws that deal with
2024 – Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress reproductive rights, job discrimination, and gender-based
violence.
“Each time a Woman stands up for herself, she It is our desire, for all, to listen to the voices of these rural,
stands up for all Women” – Maya Angelou and marginalised women. Not only to listen but to invest in
Divisional Convening 2022 - Asilina Malolo (standing) of the Biaugunu Women’s Group addresses the rural women leaders during the October Divisional Convening in Labasa. Asilina our women and girls to develop confidence, increase their
was joined by 34 rural women leaders within the Northern division from Bua, Saqani, Savusavu, Lagi, Tawake and Labasa.
Investing in women genuinely empowers them to know productivity, remain optimistic, be a risk taker and never
that their worth is beyond measure. They are more be afraid to stand for what one belives in.
likely to have superior financial performance, greater
Amplifying Rural Women’s Voices 300 women leaders gather through district convenings innovation and enhanced problem
which then builds up to our divisional and national solving capabilities. They are
At femLINKpacific, we are dedicated to amplifying the convenings. better positioned to engage,
voices of rural women leaders across Fiji. We believe These talanoa sessions co-create spaces for them communicate and coordinate with
that every woman deserves a platform to be heard, and to discuss critical issues that impact their lives and stakeholders, and successfully
that their voices hold the power to shape a more just and communities, focusing on seven key security pillars: bring them along the change
equitable future. environment, personal safety, health, community, political journey.
Established in 2000, from the Blue Ribbon Peace Vigil participation, economic well being, and food security. That is why this year’s theme,
and a direct link with women’s peace initiatives. During Creating a platform is the foundation. femLINKpacific is strikes a strong chord. Investing
this crisis femLINKpacific provided a safe space to committed to ensuring that these women’s voices are in women becomes a need
articulate and restore voices to communities, those that amplified, echoed and listened to; wherever the noise due to the increasing effects of
were held hostage, and their families. could reach. We utilize media channels to broadcast climate change, rising poverty
From the struggle, a feminist media group emerged, their stories and concerns ensuring that governments and geopolitical conflicts. Civil
linking the United Nations Security Council Resolution and policy makers listen to the voices of diverse women rights, labor rights, LGBTQ+
1325 to the vision of FemLINK and our future, not only to leaders. rights, voting rights, and other
represent, but also to tell their stories. These voices are amplified through our quaterly campaigns have all seen the
Since then, femLINKpacific has established 14 Rural Community Radio Times, femTALK89fm Radio for, by and significant contribution of women.
Women Leaders Community Media Networks (RWLCMN) about women in our communities; through other media IWD then provides a platform
across the country, with Levuka and Saqani recently and social media platforms and through networking with with which we can honor the November National Convening - with femLINKpacific’s Rural Women Leaders Community Media Network members from Ba,
joining our ever-growing community. Every month, over our partners, donors and sub-grantee partners. achievement and contribution of Tavua, Rakiraki, Levuka, Bua, Lagi, Saqani and other parts of Fiji.

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