Canada Invests $12M in Pacific Women-Led Climate Action

• Canada provides funding of CAD 12M to support women-led, climate-resilient enterprises across the Pacific
• The project positions Pacific women as leaders of climate solutions, driving adaptation, livelihoods, and ecosystem protection
• Targeted funding is reducing climate risks while boosting productivity and incomes

Launched at South Sea Orchids in Nadi, Canada’s $12M investment reinforces its commitment to climate-resilient businesses, indicating commitment to partnership with Fiji and other Pacific Islands. Targeting climate change adaptation and sustainable living, this initiative is geared at preparing Pacific women to expand their current business to cover broader market access, utilizing earth and marine resources through value chains.

Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State of Canada, added that this funding demonstrates that “Canada’s long-term commitment to sustainable development in Fiji and throughout the Pacific remains a priority through this investment. “When women succeed, communities thrive. Supporting women entrepreneurs is one of the smartest investments we can make for local economies and a sustainable future,” Randeep said.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran noted that the initiative acknowledges Pacific women as solution-builders, not bystanders, in the fight against climate change. “Women are guardians of resilience, protectors of nature and architects of climate-smart economies,” Sashi said. “When women are empowered, ecosystems are protected, disaster recovery is faster and communities are stronger.”, she added.

The project brought about positive impacts for women-owned businesses in Fiji by securing Innovation Fund investments to ensure climate-resilient infrastructure, equipment, and skills development that helps them operate with greater efficiency and stability.

As climate issues escalate, the Pasifika WE-Guardians Project exemplifies how foreign capital and female business owners can certainly cooperate with locals in preserving nature for future generations.