Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has called for greater investment in women’s leadership to address growing climate and disaster risks across the Pacific.
Speaking at the Donor Roundtable on Women’s Leadership in Disaster and Climate Resilience in Suva, Kiran said, “Resilience is not only built through infrastructure or policies – it is grounded in people, in communities, and especially in women.”
She highlighted the impact of the Women’s Resilience to Disasters Programme, supported by the Australian Government and UN Women, pointing out that in Fiji alone, over 50 government agencies and women’s groups have strengthened their capacity to integrate gender into disaster planning, and around 700 women—including women with disabilities—have helped shape early warning systems and preparedness policies.
“These examples reflect an important shift – one that places women’s voices and leadership at the centre of resilience-building efforts. This is not only about disaster response; it is about dignity, and inclusion.”
Kiran also spoke about Fiji’s adoption of its first Adaptive Social Protection Strategy and the importance of anticipatory and shock-responsive programmes.
“Traditional social protection systems… often struggle to keep pace with climate change induced challenges,” she said. “The future demands that we rethink these systems… ensuring they are not only reactive but adaptive.”
Highlighting pilot projects such as anticipatory cash transfers and parametric insurance schemes, Kiran said early interventions are enabling women to “purchase food, relocate assets, secure shelter, and make informed decisions ahead of crises.”
She also called for action with urgency and clarity.
“Let us move forward together… toward a future where every woman and girl is not only safe from disaster but is recognised as a leader in building a more resilient, more equal, and more just Pacific.”
Photo Caption: Minister for Women Sashi Kiran, UN Women Multi Country Office Representative for Fiji Alison Davidian and, Resident Coordinator for International Organisation for Migration Solomon Kantha
