Plans for 2021
THE Fiji Women’s Fund has some big plans for the year ahead, says the organisation’s manager Michelle Reddy.
Ms Reddy highlighted that while 2020 had thrown many challenges their way, they remained steadfast and optimistic that they could could and would forge ahead to achieving their ultimate goal of becoming a registered feminist women’s fund in Fiji.
She also said the fund would develop its first strategic plan which would take place later this month.
“Taking a consultative approach, we now have a trust deed that outlines our vision, mission, values and our new governance structure for an independent fund,” Ms Reddy said.
“The fund’s Transitional Steering Committee was also able to endorse the appointment of three members of the board of trustees and the changes to the fund’s governance structures.
“While we had hoped to have filed our registration papers at the Registrar’s Office at the end of 2020, due to Cyclone Ana and a few unexpected hurdles, the trust deed was filed last month. We also began search for new members to join the fund’s Governance Board.”
She added their core purpose was to find resources, especially financial resources so they could support a myriad of women’s and feminist organisations, networks and groups.
“To do this, in 2020 we developed our first Resource Mobilisation Strategy.
“Part of the transition involves playing an active role in cultivating, building and strengthening our relationships and partnerships to enhance our ability to garner a wide range of resources.
“We received funding and partnership support from the Australian government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Mama Cash, Global Fund for Women, Women’s Funds Collaborative.
“The funds secured has helped in the strengthening the fund’s localisation exercise particularly in relation to change management, communications, and grant management.”
She further highlighted that in 2021, the fund wanted to be the first national feminist women’s fund in the Pacific to be registered as a legal entity.