[Source: Twitter]

There is a need to ensure women’s voices are heard in Fiji.

Non-governmental organization, Diverse Voices and Actions for Equality, commonly known as DIVA held its first women defending the commons event, which brought together women from rural and remote communities.

DIVA’s Political Adviser, Noelene Nabulivou says while women make up close to half of Fiji’s population, voicing their concerns both at the national and community level continues to be a challenge.

“When you listen the women and part of it is having the media show directly the voices of women and that they have really strong opinions on issues of gender and climate and sustainable development and really no matter who you are, whether your government, whether your PIFs or SPC or others, you really need to be clear that your listening to the voices of grassroots women.”

The women defending the commons event brought together close to a 100 women from around the country in Suva for a three day initiative to discuss various issues including gender inequality, climate injustice and unsustainable development.