Mereani takes the lead in safeguarding her community from disasters

When Tropical Cyclone Mal struck Fiji in November 2023, the residents of Nacavanadi village in Cakaudrove, located on Fiji’s Northern Island, were safely sheltered in their evacuation centre with their properties secured.

This successful outcome was due to the efforts of the Disaster Response Committee, which included Mereani.

Mereani played a key role in activating the emergency plan, evacuating vulnerable community members, securing properties, and conducting awareness activities 24 hours before the cyclone hit that exemplifies the positive impact of women’s involvement in disaster management.

“When we heard the cyclone warning on the radio, we knew straight away what to do. We activated the emergency plan, and the villagers are also familiar with what to do because this was part of what we learnt from the Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) training,” Mereani said.

In many rural settings in Fiji, traditional hierarchy and protocol often hinder individuals from taking on leadership roles and participating in decision-making processes. However, Mereani is breaking this norm by leading disaster preparedness initiatives in her community.

Through the Women Leadership program by CAN DO under the Australian Humanitarian Partnership’s Disaster READY program, Mereani has facilitated collaboration between men and women to ensure their community is prepared for disasters.

The program has empowered Mereani and 30 other women to explore leadership roles in disaster preparedness activities, with support from community leaders and men who have been educated on the importance of women’s involvement in disaster response.

“The Women Leadership program has empowered us to have a voice. It has also taught us that we have an important role to play in our community to ensure safety for our loved ones,” she said.

Mereani expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about disaster risk reduction and participate in decision-making processes within her community. The program has not only increased women’s participation in the Community Disaster Committee but has also promoted gender equality and driven positive changes.

In addition to her role in the Disaster Committee, Mereani conducts awareness and training sessions for women in nearby communities and leads disaster risk reduction awareness during village meetings.

“Every now and then, I conduct refresher sessions during our monthly village meetings just to remind them on disaster preparedness. I also visit nearby villages to carry out sessions for the women.”

She has always anticipated applying the knowledge gained from the program to future disaster situations in Fiji, and TC Mal was one such opportunity.

Women Leadership Program Coordinator Timaleti Ratu said Mereani’s dedication to promoting disaster risk reduction and increasing women’s participation in leadership roles within her community is truly inspiring.

“Her story serves as a shining example of the positive changes that can occur when women are empowered to take on leadership responsibilities in disaster preparedness and response initiatives.”