Page 30 - IB March 2025

Ronaldine Tchivi

Latu Hola ( in red)
with Mereyani
Women of Kaiming Agro with officials from the Australia and Moceyawa at the new
New Zealand High Commissions at the new womens dormitory dormitory block

Empowering Women, Transforming Agri-Workplaces:
PHAMA Plus on Gender Equality and Inclusion in the Pacific

For 58-year-old Latu Hola, the journey to work is often a test of demonstrates the transformative power of inclusion.
resilience. Through a partnership with PHAMA Plus that includes funding
Each day, she braves the 90-kilometre round-trip from Suva to support to her employer Quality Solutions, Ronaldine is empowering
Kaiming Agro Processing Pte Ltd in Navua, where she works as a local producers, helping them meet certification standards like
ginger cutter, contributing vital work for one of Fiji’s major ginger HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) for global trade
exporters. The long hours and strenuous commute are made more and food safety.
challenging when bus fares run short. Latu says some days she has “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of PHAMA
the fare to travel to Navua for work but not enough to get back home. Plus,” says Ronaldine, a graduate of RMIT University’s food
When this happens, she has to arrange for a place in Navua to stay technologist program.
until she gets paid and can pay for her fare home. “When clients achieve certification, it’s a victory for everyone—it
Latu’s story took a hopeful turn in March when she and colleague empowers entire communities.”
Mereseini Moceyawa (42-year-old) celebrated the opening of a new As a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field of agriculture,
women’s dormitory at Kaiming Agro Processing. Supported by the Ronaldine is determined to change the narrative.
Australian and New Zealand governments through the PHAMA Plus “We’re closing the gender gap in science—don’t let anything hold
Program, the dormitory will drive empowerment and safety for you back,” she declares, hoping to inspire other women to pursue
women. careers in science and agriculture.
The initiative not only provides a much-needed place for workers Her work with PHAMA Plus and Quality Solutions not only boosts
like Latu and Mereseini to stay, but it also serves as a safe house. business growth but also strengthens livelihoods across Vanuatu and
This reflects the company’s broader goals of promoting workplace the Pacific, contributing to a more inclusive economy.
inclusion and preventing domestic violence. The support provided to Quality Solutions is part of broader
With women making up 130 of its 180 employees across all levels efforts by PHAMA Plus to promote positive, safe, inclusive and
of production and leadership, this initiative is significant both for equitable workplaces in Pacific agriculture. For example in Vanuatu,
the company, and for Fiji and the Pacific region. More employers are what started as support to the Vanuatu Primary Producers Authority
beginning to address domestic violence, which affects two out of (VPPA) to address domestic violence and its impact on the workplace,
three women in the country. has evolved into broader support to develop a Positive Workplace
PHAMA Plus worked with Kaiming Agro Processing to introduce a Strategy. In this context, positive workplaces are where workers
Workplace Domestic Violence Policy. The policy prioritizes the safety are made to feel safe, valued and included, and where women are
and confidentiality of survivors while providing access to support empowered and treated equitably. The Strategy will guide VPPA
services. It promotes a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence. staff and its 8,000 registered members in adopting practices that
Additionally, the policy includes training for both management and prevent violence and harassment in the workplace, provide for equal
staff to ensure its effective implementation and responsiveness to opportunities for all employees and ensure the safety of children and
the needs of workers. community members in delivering VPPA and its members’ work. The
“The bus fares to and from work take up a significant portion of VPPA Positive Workplace Strategy will contribute to a more inclusive
my income. I feel appreciated and heard in this workplace” says Latu, and equitable productive sector in Vanuatu.
reflecting on the changes that have made her daily routine more This strategy is further complemented by PHAMA Plus’ work with
manageable. Her sentiments are shared by Mereseini, who, often has partners Spencer Cocoa and Quality Solutions in developing Child
to walk through flooded roads from Nakavu Village in Navua to reach Protection Policies, ensuring that children in the communities they
work during heavy rain. work with are protected from violence, harassment and exploitation.
Kaiming Agro Processing’s Managing Director, Calvin Qiu, By breaking down barriers and ensuring equal opportunities,
recognises the vital role workers like Latu and Mereseini play in the women like Latu, Mereseini and Ronaldine are becoming catalysts
company’s success. of change in Pacific agri-businesses and reshaping the agricultural
“When ginger cutters are unable to make it to work, it impacts landscape.
our production,” he shares. The new dormitory not only supports
these workers but also ensures the continuity of daily processing and
production—demonstrating how gender-inclusive policies can drive
business growth and enhance worker well-being.
Beyond Fiji, the program’s influence extends to Vanuatu, where
Ronaldine Tchivi, a 25-year-old food safety certification specialist, info@phamaplus.com.au www.phamaplus.com.au

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