Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
11/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/21/2024 20:53
FIJI'S GENDER MINISTERIAL TEAM ADVOCATES FOR...
Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Hon. Sashi Kiran has emphasised the critical need to support women's leadership and amplify their voices in global processes like COP.
She delivered the closing remarks at a panel session on "Empowering Women for Climate Resilience in the Pacific" that was organised by the Government of Kiribati in partnership with UN Women on the margins of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Assistant Minister Kiran highlighted that the Fiji Government stands in solidarity with Kiribati and other Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in recognising the vital role that women play in climate resilience efforts and advocating for their empowerment.
She said that Fiji prioritises the integration of gender in all aspects of climate policy, emphasising women's participation, institutional capacity-building, and sustainable climate finance that is accessible to women, women-led organisations, and local communities.
As part of PSIDS, the Fiji Government has aligned its climate initiatives with the vision and goals of the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy. Adding that the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection through the national women's machinery, is mandated to advocate and be the policy advisor to Government on issues pertaining to all women and girls in Fiji.
"One of our 3 thematic priorities is Gender and Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (GCCDRR) which involves programs focusing on adaptation, mitigation, and resilience coordination work, including the Women's Resilience to Disaster (WRD) Programme with UN Women. In Fiji, the development of the National Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment hopes to incorporate areas of concern in the economic space. To this end, the scrutinisation of Government policies and plans is also coordinated by the Department for Women to ensure all women's and girls' concerns are recognised and deliberated upon," stated the Assistant Minister.
The Gender Ministerial Team's participation at COP29 in Baku reflects Fiji's commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and importantly, addressing the unique challenges and impacts of climate change. By championing women's leadership and voice in climate discussions, Fiji is working towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
The event highlighted the need to improve women's participation and contributions to sustainable and inclusive responses to the climate crisis. Women's leadership in climate change actions, policies, and decision-making is critical to unlocking innovative, community-centred solutions that enhance climate adaptation.
During the panel session, it was underscored that women in Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and across the Pacific face unique challenges related to climate change. Issues such as rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and the resulting impact on freshwater and food supplies disproportionately affect women, who often bear the burden of unpaid domestic and care work. Additionally, health risks, particularly during pregnancy, and social stresses linked to climate change further exacerbate gender-based vulnerabilities, including domestic violence.
She delivered the closing remarks at a panel session on "Empowering Women for Climate Resilience in the Pacific" that was organised by the Government of Kiribati in partnership with UN Women on the margins of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Assistant Minister Kiran highlighted that the Fiji Government stands in solidarity with Kiribati and other Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) in recognising the vital role that women play in climate resilience efforts and advocating for their empowerment.
She said that Fiji prioritises the integration of gender in all aspects of climate policy, emphasising women's participation, institutional capacity-building, and sustainable climate finance that is accessible to women, women-led organisations, and local communities.
As part of PSIDS, the Fiji Government has aligned its climate initiatives with the vision and goals of the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy. Adding that the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection through the national women's machinery, is mandated to advocate and be the policy advisor to Government on issues pertaining to all women and girls in Fiji.
"One of our 3 thematic priorities is Gender and Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (GCCDRR) which involves programs focusing on adaptation, mitigation, and resilience coordination work, including the Women's Resilience to Disaster (WRD) Programme with UN Women. In Fiji, the development of the National Action Plan on Women's Economic Empowerment hopes to incorporate areas of concern in the economic space. To this end, the scrutinisation of Government policies and plans is also coordinated by the Department for Women to ensure all women's and girls' concerns are recognised and deliberated upon," stated the Assistant Minister.
The Gender Ministerial Team's participation at COP29 in Baku reflects Fiji's commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and importantly, addressing the unique challenges and impacts of climate change. By championing women's leadership and voice in climate discussions, Fiji is working towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
The event highlighted the need to improve women's participation and contributions to sustainable and inclusive responses to the climate crisis. Women's leadership in climate change actions, policies, and decision-making is critical to unlocking innovative, community-centred solutions that enhance climate adaptation.
During the panel session, it was underscored that women in Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and across the Pacific face unique challenges related to climate change. Issues such as rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and the resulting impact on freshwater and food supplies disproportionately affect women, who often bear the burden of unpaid domestic and care work. Additionally, health risks, particularly during pregnancy, and social stresses linked to climate change further exacerbate gender-based vulnerabilities, including domestic violence.