Diverse women, collective action for climate justice

Monday, we head out into "the real Back Road" of Nadi. Vika/Kado of DIVA for Equality FIJI, Jason Chute of Lumen Films and I, to meet #BuMere one of the 12 women in the western division of Fiji who will feature in a film highlighting the intersectional and movement led approach of DIVA for Equality.

From a small backyard garden to Vee's Organic Farm run by Vitilia Vuniwaqa in the shadows of the "Sleeping Giants" mountain range.

I have always been inspired by the resilience and determination of Vitilia ever since my first visit to the farm organised by DIVA for Equality FIJI in 2023 with the Global Fund for Women Climate Champions.

Vitilia 's journey since suffering a stroke fifteen years ago is truly one that shows how important it is for women to have access to their own resources including land and the support network that comes from feminist and disability rights organising "I see my farm flourishing in 10 years" she says.

Day 2 brings another inspiring story.

Edwina welcomes us at the DAULOMANI SAFE HOME  which sits in the heart of an organic farm up in the hills of #Lautoka. She bought the land with her savings. 12000 Fijian dollars.

Every girl has a dream.

Every child has a dream, says Edwina, that is for safe homes, safe and inclusive communities, but it isn't always the case.

Her dream for Daulomani is a safe eco-retreat for the #LGBTQI community and their families while also providing shelter for single mums and persons with disabilities.

"We are related to nature. With nature. With love we can achieve anything".

Day 3, we drive from Nadi to Cuvu in Nadroga to meet Elenoa. Her story comes from the off-the-highway into an informal settlement.

She tells us how the first meeting with DIVA for Equality FIJI in Sigatoka in the mid2000s connected her into a safe community hub.

One is aware of the painful challenges she has faced, but as Elenoa talks to Keepingthefaith Kado the conversation is not about discrimination but to her own vision for a flourishing farm, access to markets and the future of her children.

We are talking a lot about the different soil types across the range of backyard gardens and small farms we have already visited this week.

A common thread is the information chain that links the politics of climate change to the lives of women in their communities.

The evidence of how women must be included in any climate change and disaster management programmes such as through the DIVA network.

Women of all diversities are accessing knowledge through #DIVA's agroecology programme, including how to produce and use organic manure and collaboration in communities to support access to  water. There is someone they can call at the DHIVE if the spade is broken or when times are hard and they need groceries and other essential items.

They have the time to think about a future where gardens flourish, where families have fresh vegetables and fruit, is about women led climate adaptation and resilience building.

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#PacificIsland #womensnarratives #womensfilms #climatejustice