Labasa women speak out at community policy dialogue

Labasa residents were given the chance to raise their concerns and share experiences at a two-day community-driven policy dialogue held at Galaxy Hotel yesterday.

Maria Naqarese, from Naodamu, said the forum had been helpful in providing a space where people listened and understood the challenges faced by the community.

She added that it had encouraged women to express issues they would normally keep to themselves.

Ms Naqarese, who attended with three other community members, said the forum had given them confidence to speak openly about challenges including access to services, safety concerns, and limited income opportunities.

“It was helpful to discuss our concerns in a space where people listened and understood our challenges,” Ms Naqarese said.

“This opportunity encouraged us as women to express things we normally keep to ourselves.”

Organised by Transcend Oceania and supported by the European Union, the dialogue brought together 25 participants from across Labasa to discuss issues affecting families, youth, and informal workers.

Participants took part in guided group sessions to identify realistic solutions to support their communities.

Transcend Oceania programme organiser Justine Maravu said participants had added valuable insight into the lived realities of rural communities, helping to broaden discussions on service access, community safety, and the need for stronger support systems.

She emphasised that ensuring both men’s and women’s perspectives were represented was central to the dialogue’s objectives, as diverse viewpoints often shape more practical, community-focused solutions.

The initiative aimed to amplify community voices, identify barriers to inclusion, and co-create practical recommendations for more inclusive national policy development.

Divisional Planning Officer (DPO) Northern, Setareki Dakuiboca, officially opened the programme, noting the importance of enabling people to express their views and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“The purpose of this consultation is to highlight how people can raise their voices,” Mr Dakuiboca said.

He added that if new issues emerged during the dialogue, his team would continue working with stakeholders on the ground to address them.

The sessions focused strongly on Labasa’s unique socio-economic landscape, where rural residents, women, youth, and informal workers are often underrepresented in decision-making processes.

The dialogue demonstrated ongoing national commitments to participatory governance, accountability, and inclusive development principles strongly supported by the European Union.