Women bearing the brunt of climate change

Women in rural Fiji are bearing the brunt of climate change, facing increasing difficulties in securing food for their families. Atalaite Qiolevu, a resident of Veinuqa Village, shared her experience of diminished resources in local rivers. "Ever since I came here, I have been going to the river to get food for us. I collect crabs, fish and mussels for our daily needs. Recently, because of climate change, I have not been seeing as many crabs and other river produce as before. It is not like it used to be."

This decline in freshwater resources directly impacts women who rely on these sources to supplement household meals and reduce expenses. The effort required to gather food has increased as they must now travel further upstream. The changing climate is also directly threatening their homes. Qiolevu described how her house, situated near the riverbank, is now frequently flooded during high tides.

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Ever since I came here, I have been going to the river to get food for us. I collect crabs, fish and mussels for our daily needs. Recently, because of climate change, I have not been seeing as many crabs and other river produce as before. It is not like it used to be.

"My house is right next to the river and whenever there is a high tide, the water comes right up to our doorstep. This has greatly affected our house and its foundation," she stated. The increased intensity of river currents and frequent flooding have led to severe erosion along the riverbank near her property. Concerned about these escalating environmental changes, Qiolevu is urging for collective community action to safeguard vulnerable areas from further degradation.

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My house is right next to the river and whenever there is a high tide, the water comes right up to our doorstep. This has greatly affected our house and its foundation.