In Narikoso Village, the rising sea is not a distant threat but a reality that has already claimed homes and livelihoods. Much like many low-lying island atolls in Fiji and the Pacific, Narikoso has experienced the devastating impacts of sea level rise and storm surges firsthand leaving individuals like Siteri with no option but to move to higher grounds. For Siteri and her family, whose lives revolve around fishing and subsistence farming, starting over was not just emotionally daunting—it was economically overwhelming. But a new chapter began when the Fijian Government’s relocation project moved a portion of the village to higher ground, offering safer, more secure housing to affected families.

To enhance community resilience, the relocation project constructed kitchens for all the seven newly built homes. Habitat for Humanity Fiji, with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), lead this effort.

Understanding that women shoulder the primary responsibility for household tasks such as fetching and managing water, preparing food, weaving, and caring for their families, we identified that these daily routines were often disrupted by ongoing water-related challenges.

Coupled with poor water system maintenance, limited plumbing knowledge, and a heavy dependence on the village water committee for repair works, it became quite difficult for women like Siteri to meet their families’ needs. Without the skills or tools to address these issues directly, many women are left waiting—sometimes for days—before help arrives.

Given these challenges, we carried out basic plumbing training with women in the community. With great support from community leaders and family members through a safeguarding and awareness process, twelve women, including Siteri, enrolled in the training.

For Siteri, the experience was transformative. Through the training she has been able to independently set up a complete basic water system for the detached cooking structure her husband built.

“I can support my husband when he returns tired from the farm,” Siteri says proudly. “And I can also repair the piping system if anything goes wrong.” But beyond technical skills, the training reshaped how Siteri saw water maintenance at home. It is no longer “his” or “her” job. Instead, it has become a shared responsibility, rooted in care, and understanding.

Through inclusive training, safe housing, and supportive partnerships, the Narikoso project has been able to shift mindsets, empower women and support families like Siteri’s to thrive.