Women living in and growing in informal settlements

Informal settlement leaders creating positive change and having some fun too! Photo: Courtesy of Women’s Action for Change

Fiji

Partner: Women’s Action for Change (WAC)

Funding source: IWDA supporters and AusAID – ANCP

Issue: Informal settlements in Fiji often have poor infrastructure and housing, limited hygiene and sanitation services and consequently high health risks. These health risks are compounded by substance abuse and high levels of intimate partner violence. It is estimated that between 60–80% of people in informal settlements are living below the poverty line.

Outline: The project focuses on developing the self-esteem, conflict analysis and business skills of women living in 18 informal settlements, so they can contribute to social and economic change within their communities.

Impact: This year WAC conducted a diverse range of alternative livelihood training courses. As a result of the basic plumbing and electrical training workshops, women are reporting using these new skills to complete their own home repairs. As many women in informal settlements are single mothers, this training has proved very empowering and practical, reducing their dependency on others or the need to find additional money for repairs. Five women are also receiving an income from using these skills in their communities.

Her Story: Mili, Fiji

IWDA’s partner organisation, Women’s Action for Change (WAC), is bringing women together to facilitate skills-sharing, financial mentoring and empowerment activities.

“Since being involved with WAC, I have been elected the President of my community in the informal settlement where I live. This is an achievement in itself as women traditionally are not able to take on such leadership roles. In addition to this, recently I had reason to contact the Ministry of Housing regarding some illegal building happening in my community. I was disregarded by the Ministry based on what I felt was sex discrimination. As a result, I have taken the matter further and have written to the Ministry complaining of the discrimination I encountered.” - Mili, Veinui community, Fiji

This is a powerful example of a woman making visible the hidden and embedded discrimination by institutions which thousands of women around the world experience on a daily basis, and challenging cultural stereotypes and norms. Mili’s analysis and action is an example of the change and empowerment that is possible when women understand their rights and have the confidence and support to claim them.

Tags: Economic Justice, Fiji, WAC
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