Ten women representing farmer organisations from across the region will converge online early next week to share their experiences, spotlighting contributions by Pacific Women in Agriculture in the livelihoods of their families and economies.
Scheduled for March 8 and Wednesday, March 9, the two-day virtual meet which coincides with International Women’s Day will feature octogenarian Aileen Burness, the strong force behind the Pacific’s largest orchid nursery South Sea Orchids, Lasa Aiono of Samoa Farmers Association, Maria Linibi of the Papua New Guinea Women in Agriculture and Development, Papua New Guinea, Jiu Daunivalu of the Fiji Crop Livestock & Council, Jenny Nishi of Nishi Trading in Tonga, Bernadette Teremoana of Te Tango Enu in the Cook Islands, Serenia Madigibuli of the Tutu Training Centre in Fiji and Lavinia Kaumaitotoya Manager of Pacific Farmer Organisations.
“Women Farmers have led communities in the Pacific during some of the worst times in our global history with Climate Change and COVID19 compounding the economic difficulties we already face in this region,” Kaumaitotoya said.
“During these most recent challenges, these women have shown incredible leadership at keeping the Agricultural Sector at a time when the whole world turned to farms for opportunities.”
Mainstreaming of gender perspectives in agriculture and other rural sectors is necessary so that national policies are accurately informed by the reality on the ground which can lead to better allocation of resources. In highlighting the work and lives of these hardworking Pacific farmers on International Women’s Day, Pacific Farmer Organisations hope to raise awareness of this important gap in the agricultural sector.
The Pacific Farmers IWD Talanoa Event will take place from 4.30 pm-6:30 pm Fiji Time on March 8 and March 9. To register, click on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsfumtrz0pG9CDwTFxvfKHQcu4Ce_4zNk9
Photo: PIFON
