A UNITED Nations Development Program initiative has had a positive impact on the lives of women in Vuniyasi settlement on the outskirts of Nadi.
The Cash For Work program (CFW) provides a temporary source of income for disaster-affected communities to help them get back on their feet in return for participating in clean-up and restoration activities.
The program was implemented by UNDP in partnership with the government, UN Women, ILO and UN Volunteers while AusAID provided some financial support.
Through the program, women of Vuniyasi were assisted after last year's floods by adopting new skills that enhanced their abilities to better serve their families, communities, and most importantly, themselves.
In doing this, UNDP also focused on the empowerment of women through the formation of a community-based women's committee, which has about 33 active members, according to member Melea Vunitali.
"These members are iTaukei and Fijians of Indian descent," she said.
The program assists in recovery efforts by providing a temporary source of cash in exchange for socially-relevant work related to the rehabilitation of socio-economic infrastructure impacted by the flood, reviving livelihood activities, and improving preparedness for future disasters.