Pacific Feminist Fund

More & more, the global feminist movement faces threats of funding cuts, restrictive policies, and dwindling private philanthropy. As feminist leaders gather for the 15th International #AWIDForum, we will be reflecting on innovative funding practices, such as horizontal philanthropy and community-based support networks, which may redefine future resourcing. These grassroots models, rooted in global majority practices, are crucial for sustaining the heart of our movement. Read more in this article by Angelika Arutyunova, Amina Doherty, and Leila Hessini and see how you might support and amplify these transformative approaches to ensure a resilient future for gender equality. #FeministFunding #AWIDForum2024 https://lnkd.in/exSSC3m7

“The AWID International Forum is both a global community event and a space of radical personal transformation. A one-of-a-kind convening, the Forum brings together feminist, women’s rights, gender justice, LBTQI+ and allied movements, in all our diversity and humanity, to connect, heal and thrive.” Come join members of the Pacific Feminist Fund and some of our partners at these AWID Events and let’s connect with each other in focused, caring and brave ways, so that we can feel the heartbeat of global movements and rise to meet the challenges of these times, learn together and address power imbalances within our movements in the Pacific region and beyond. We look forward to seeing you at #AWID2024

International Day to End Violence Against Women♀️ FACTℹ️ The Pacific region holds some of the highest rates of violence against women and girls in the world—nearly twice the global average. Statistics reveal that up to 68% of women in the Pacific have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime, reflecting a pervasive culture of gender-based violence (GBV) that affects not just individuals, but entire communities. FACTℹ️ GBV in the Pacific is predominantly perpetrated by intimate partners and family members, yet the low reporting rates mean this critical issue often remains hidden. The repercussions of GBV extend beyond the individuals directly involved, impacting family dynamics, community well-being, and access to essential services. 🔆 Message from us: We applaud and recognise the work of countless agents across the Pacific who continue to combat GBV with proactive initiatives that involve individuals, communities, Governments, NGOs, CSOs and other actors. These include initiatives around advocacy and lobby for gender just legislation, policies, and action plans to address these pressing issues. Also the push for increased access to healthcare, social services, and prioritized justice is being, with feminist organizations providing crucial financial resources. At the Pacific Feminist Fund, we believe in the power of collaborative action. We are committed to supporting the Pacific feminist movement that are vital in breaking the cycle of violence. Through grants aimed at preventing violence against Pacific women, girls and people of gender non-conforming Pacific identities advocating for policy change, we envision a future where every woman and girl in the Pacific can live without fear. Let us stand together in solidarity to create lasting change and ensure our women and girls have a safer more equitable Pacific future. 💟

💟 Ruth Maetala, PFF Co-Lead, shares her journey from the private sector to feminist funding, inspired by a desire to create a legacy for future generations. Drawing from her background in business and financial literacy, she emphasizes the importance of feminist funding in empowering Pacific women. Ruth also highlights her skills in indigenous research and her leadership style rooted in active listening and collaboration. She envisions the Pacific Feminist Fund embodying Pacific values while effectively supporting #genderequality initiatives and stresses the need for community-driven solutions to address the unique challenges faced by women in the Pacific region. #pacificfeminist #pacific #feminism #feministfunding #womensrights #womeninleadership #womenlead #pacificcultures #socialjustice #genderjustice #resourcejustice #northpacific #indigenous #womenempowerment #transformationalleadership #intersectionalleadership

💟 In this engaging interview with Michelle Reddy, Co-Lead of the Pacific Feminist Fund, the discussion centers on the transformative power of feminist funding in the Pacific region. Michelle shares some insight into her feminist journey from the Fiji Women's Rights Movement to co-leading the Pacific Feminist Fund, emphasizing the importance of flexible, rapid-response funding during political turmoil. She reflects on the unique challenges within Pacific cultures and the vital role of culture, religion, and government in women's rights advocacy. Michelle's leadership style, which melds emotions with intentional care, aims to harness collective financial power for social justice, while inspiring equitable change through collaboration and inclusivity 🫂 🌏 👍 #pacificfeminist #pacific #feminism #feministfunding #womensrights #womeninleadership #womenlead #pacificwomenlead #pacificcultures #socialjustice #genderjustice #resourcejustice #theoryofchange

We echo the sentiments of Pacific leaders who are calling on the world "to act and live up to the funding commitments they’ve made to allow communities to respond to the impact of climate change." Kudos Pacific Community-SPC and OneCROP for the invaluable technical and scientific advice you're providing in key negotiation spaces 🙌 #climatefinance #foodsystems #agriculture #Pacificstatistics #COP29 #oceanscience #ClimateAction #BluePacific #PacificPeople #1pt5tostayalive

Ruth Maetala Joins Feminist Co-Leadership Rank The Pacific Feminist Fund (PFF) is delighted to introduce our new Co-Lead, Ruth Maetala who joins Michelle Reddy in co-leading our young proud organization. With their combined experience and passion, they are poised to lead this innovative fund that stands as the Va’a - a vessel guided by the tides of the women’s and feminist movement across the Pacific’s vast ocean. PFF was established with a clear purpose: to secure funding that supports and amplifies the efforts of Pacific feminists and their movements. It draws upon regional stories and struggles, offering a platform that highlights needs often overlooked by conventional funders. The Fund envisions a Pacific where women, girls, and people of diverse gender identities advance their rights and achieve gender equality amidst the challenges of a climate crisis. Originating from the village of Radefasu in the Solomon Islands, Ruth Maetala, brings her rich cultural heritage having worked in the women’s movement and private sector into her new role. Ruth's experience in entrepreneurship and financial literacy informs her approach to feminist funding. Her leadership style is deeply rooted in Pacific values such as collaboration, sharing, and honesty. Ruth envisions PFF as a dynamic organization for nurturing equality-focused communities across the region. In tandem, Michelle Reddy's journey to feminist funding began with the Fiji Women's Rights Movement. Experiencing the transformative power of feminist funds, Michele contributed to the establishment of the Women's Fund Fiji and the Pacific Feminist Fund. "The launches of these funds were the realization of a powerful dream by Pacific feminists," she recalls. As a Co-Lead, Michelle aspires to make PFF a leader in resource justice by building and sharing wealth for feminists in the region. Her leadership emphasizes co-creation, flexibility, and courage, seeking to address the nuanced needs of the Pacific community. The PFF aims to cultivate Pacific feminist practices, learning and accountability and further influence and disrupt the funding ecosystem in the Pacific by increasing flexible funding options directed toward feminist movements. Beyond their professional journeys, Ruth and Michelle’s personal insights enrich their leadership for PFF. Together, these two Pawa Meris aim to harness the collective strength of the PFF team and affirm the organization’s role as a resource-justice champion for gender justice across the Pacific. ENDS

An interesting read from The Female Lead and Peanut App's groundbreaking study, revealing 8,000+ women’s experiences in the UK & USA, and the challenges of returning to work after having a baby. 47% of these mothers "feel overwhelmed and unsupported, and employers risk losing valuable talent if they fail to address these issues." How are your experiences in the Pacific workforce dear Pasifika sisters, new mothers?

Encouraging feminist creatives to sign up for these skills workshops in Sound Art, Film or Visual Art offered by Oceanic Refractions. Pick a discipline and learn from some of the best practitioners in the region. #learningandgrowing #feministcreatives #activists #soundart #filmproduction #podcast #podcastproduction #feministpodcasts

This week in Wellington, New Zealand, we are hosting our Annual General Meeting (AGM) with fabulous members of our Board - Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem, Virisila Buadromo and Teretia Tokam plus a few equally amazing allies in support of our journey 🙌 🫂 We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Pacific Feminist Fund's Board of Trustees for your unwavering commitment to advancing feminist movements in the Pacific. Representing diverse personal and professional backgrounds, your dedication and belief in our mission to empower feminist and women's rights defenders is crucial to our perseverance as a new fund for feminists in the Pacific region. 🌏 Board membership is vital in feminist philanthropy, fostering strategic guidance, vision, and accountability. Our trustees’ efforts catalyze transformative change, enabling grassroots initiatives to thrive. Together, we are building a more equitable future, and we deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of our Board in this essential work. 💟 Images courtesy of Virisila Buadromo, Carolyn Jalal & Jinita Prasad