Date: 10 Feb 2025
Participants of the Vakatawa Noke-Governance Training for Melanesian Communities in Greater Suva Area engaged in a group discussion.
A new initiative to strengthen governance in Melanesian communities in Fiji has been launched, with a strong focus on empowering women in leadership roles. As part of this effort, a pilot Governance Training for Melanesian Communities under the Vakatawa Noke Project was held in Suva from 6th to 7th February 2025.
The two-day training brought together community leaders from informal settlements in the Greater Suva Area. It was co-facilitated by the Vakatawa Noke Taskforce led by the Commissioner Central, Mr. Josefa Navuku.
Respective Government departments, District Advisory Councilors, Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) and Balance of Power (BOP), collaborated with the leaders of the pilot communities, Kalekana and Manikoso to work towards enhancing governance knowledge and understanding government systems.
The Vakatawa Noke Project began in 2023 with a scoping exercise across 21 Melanesian informal settlements, revealing issues such as inadequate infrastructure, historical land tenure concerns and a lack of representation in decision-making.
Recognising these challenges, FCOSS Executive Director, Vani Catanasiga, stressed the importance of closing the feedback loop with the communities.
“We gathered all this data through the Rewa District Council of Social Services (DCOSS)-led survey, and it is essential that we return to the 21 communities not only to present the results but also to check on their governance systems. This ensures that communities understand the structures that connect them to decision-making and development initiatives,” Ms. Catanasiga said.
In response to these findings, the project established a Taskforce to develop interventions, including a pilot governance training for community leaders in Kalekana and Manikoso settlements.
The Melanesian communities in Fiji are predominantly made up of descendants from Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Over the years, however, these communities have also become home to many other people, including those of Rabi, Rotuman, Tongan, Itaukei, and Indo-Fijian descent.
During the official opening of the training, Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna, reinforced the need for women’s participation in governance.
“Women play a crucial role in Fiji. In all our villages and communities, women are the engine room, carrying out much of the essential work. It is vital to include them in governance and decision-making,” Hon. Tubuna said.
He also commended Balance of Power for supporting the government’s vision of ensuring women are actively involved in leadership structures.
Meanwhile, participants engaged in interactive sessions covering principles of good governance, leadership responsibilities and stakeholder collaboration. These sessions also provided a platform for government agencies and civil society organisations to inform communities on how to access support and resources, fostering stronger linkages between grassroots leaders and key institutions.
For many attendees, the workshop was an eye-opener. Taniela Lui, the Turaga-ni-Koro (village headman) of Kalekana Settlement, said he now feels more confident in his leadership role.
“I have been a village headman for several years, but I never knew how to connect with government ministries for support. Now, I feel equipped to seek assistance and better serve my community,” Mr. Lui said.
Similarly, Josifini Vakauta, a community leader from Manikoso Settlement, shared how the training has helped her gain new perspectives on leadership.
“I’ve always supported my husband in his leadership role as Turaga-ni-Koro, but now I understand governance better and I can contribute more effectively to help improve our community’s development,” Ms. Vakauta said.
She added that it was empowering for her to see so many women participating in the training, representing their informal settlements and holding leadership roles in various committees.
“It’s clear that women have the potential to lead and the opportunities for leadership are expanding for women in our local communities,” Ms. Vakauta said.
Balance of Power’s Fiji Country Manager, Josaia Osborne, emphasised that this initiative is part of a larger effort to create sustainable governance structures.
“This training is just the beginning. We hope to expand it to the remaining 19 settlements, ensuring that women are part of community councils and can influence decision-making processes,” Mr. Osborne said.
The Vakatawa Noke Governance Training advances inclusive governance in Fiji’s Melanesian communities, strengthening leadership and fostering collaboration with government and civil society to drive sustainable development.
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