Written by Sangita Kumar, Interim National Director, Habitat for Humanity Fiji
Access to decent housing is more than just having a roof over your head. For women, a safe home brings security, stability, and a foundation to build a better future. Without decent housing, women and their families face stress, health risks, and fewer opportunities to thrive.
At Habitat for Humanity Fiji, we intentionally put women at the center of our programming and strategy. Last year, our programs directly supported approximately 350 women, reinforcing their leadership, safety, and participation in building stronger, more resilient communities. The impact of this support extends beyond these women, creating positive ripple effects across their families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Children, neighbors, and local groups benefit when women gain confidence, skills, and leadership roles in managing their homes and communities.
Our housing solutions go beyond shelter to include essential services like access to clean water, and we prioritise equipping women with the skills and tools to protect, maintain, and sustain these vital resources. A key part of our approach is upskilling and empowering women. Through our programmes, women gain practical skills in basic plumbing, building back safer, and strengthening community preparedness for climate risks.
Marica’s who is from Cawaro Village in Macuata – her journey is one example of how this approach creates lasting change. At just 22 years old, she participated in Habitat for Humanity Fiji’s vocational training programme and began applying her new skills alongside her father, harvesting timber and contributing to village development projects. What began as learning
soon transformed into action. Marica successfully extended her family’s kitchen, completed all the plumbing work herself, and stepped confidently into the role of carpenter to help another household extend theirs.
Her experience reflects the purpose behind initiatives such as our She Fixes It campaign, which equips women with the confidence, technical knowledge, and practical skills to take an active role in household and community water management. When women are empowered to manage and maintain safe water systems, families benefit from improved health and stronger resilience.
Beyond our programs, we advocate for women’s inclusion in housing policy, planning, and community development. We work to increase their role in house design, improve access to housing information, and support access to home financing. Every home built and skill shared advances equality, opportunity, and resilience.
Looking ahead, we plan to increase our support for women significantly, reaching more communities and ensuring that decent housing with basic services becomes a reality for more women. By intentionally putting women at the heart of our work and advocating for their inclusion, we are helping them build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Fiji. Each woman we support is not only transforming her own life but also inspiring and empowering her community, creating lasting change that extends far beyond the walls of a home.
