Fiji, a Pacific island nation made up of more than 300 islands with a rich culture, has been navigating a complex interplay of international aid, geopolitics, and feminist activism.

The country's feminist movements have long been at the forefront of addressing gender-based violence, but recent shifts in international funding have introduced new challenges and opportunities.

Between the pre-pandemic period and 2020-2021, international aid to Fiji skyrocketed from $374 million to $2.1 billion.

Congratulations to CEVAW on its research symposium 2024. We are calling for research in the area of GBV to be meaningful, dismantle colonial responses to GBV and contribute to transformative change for women and girls. #genderequality #16DaysFiji #EndImpunity @_CEVAW pic.twitter.com/4XUqSUEiGQ

— Fiji Women's Rights Movement (@FWRM1) December 2, 2024

While this influx of resources has provided much-needed support for advocacy, services, and organisational sustainability, it has also brought about donor-driven priorities that misalign with local needs.

This dynamic often leads to what scholars call “NGOisation” – the professionalisation of grassroots activism, sometimes at the expense of community-driven agendas.

As Fijian feminist activist Virisila Buadromo has emphasised, the struggle against GBV in Fiji is not just about resources, but about ensuring the voices of local women are heard and respected. She advocates for a feminist movement that is “rooted in our own context, understanding the unique challenges Fijian women face”.

The role of international donors

International donors play a pivotal role in resourcing initiatives against GBV in Fiji. Major donors include countries such as Australia and New Zealand, as well as multilateral organisations such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. Their contributions have enabled essential services such as shelters, counselling, and legal aid, and have supported educational programs aimed at shifting harmful gender norms.

However, these funds often come with strings attached. Donors may impose bureaucratic requirements and prioritise measurable outputs over culturally embedded practices.

Women in all their diversity led by the Labasa Women's Crisis Centre march through Labasa Town and make a brief stop in front of the Labasa Market Community Post to chant:

WHAT DO WE WANT !

BETTER POLICE SERVICES !#16DaysOfActivism pic.twitter.com/Xbg8yMqvr6

— Fiji Women (@CommsFWCC) November 26, 2024

This focus on quantifiable results can clash with the nuanced, relational approaches that local activists find most effective. Moreover, the urban-centric allocation of funds frequently overlooks rural and marginalised communities, exacerbating disparities in access to GBV services.

Young activists Makereta Waqavonovono stresses that:

“… true progress cannot be captured solely through numbers. It's about changing mindsets and societal attitudes toward women and girls”.

Feminist movements in Fiji

Local feminist movements in Fiji are diverse, messy, savvy, loud, passionate, and defiant. Many organisations, networks, coalitions, and activists have been instrumental in advocating for women and queer rights and providing support to GBV survivors. These groups prioritise intersectionality, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement.

Yet, they face significant challenges. The competition for limited funding can create intergenerational tensions and fragmentation within the movement.

Smaller organisations and marginalised groups, such as those representing rural women or the queer community, often struggle to secure resources. This competition can lead to gatekeeping, dilute collective action, and weaken the overall impact of feminist advocacy.

Siteri Navia, a queer activist, points out that “our stories are often overlooked, yet we face violence on multiple fronts. Inclusive advocacy is essential.”

The influence of geopolitics and colonial legacies

Fiji's colonial history and contemporary geopolitical dynamics further complicate the landscape. Colonial policies have left a legacy of ethnic divisions and economic disparities, which continue to influence social structures and access to resources.

Additionally, geopolitical tensions—such as the strategic interests of major powers in the Pacific – can distort funding priorities. For example, aid may be used as a tool to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region, potentially sidelining grassroots needs.

Findings: Bridging gaps amid donor misalignment

To address the gaps left by traditional donors and mainstream feminist movements, feminist funds have emerged as crucial players.

These funds emphasise participatory grant-making, and aim to support underfunded issues and marginalised groups. By advocating for more inclusive and sustainable funding practices, they influence donors to adopt principles that are more aligned with local contexts and feminist values.

For instance, organisations led by young and queer feminists are creating spaces for dialogue and advocacy that reflect the diverse experiences of Fijian women.

They’re leveraging social media and community networks to raise awareness about GBV in all its forms. Their innovative approaches are instrumental in reaching segments of the population that have been historically overlooked.

However, feminist funds also face limitations. They often rely on the same traditional aid models, and may lack the scale and reach to effect widespread change, especially in remote areas. The broader systemic challenges, including dependence on external funding and navigating complex donor requirements, remain significant hurdles.

Moreover, one of the core issues is the mismatch between donor priorities and the needs of local movements.

LISTEN| Stories from the field. Say NO to Gender Based Violence. SayNO - UNiTE to End Violence Against Women.#16daysofactivism2024 #16DaysOfActivism #endthesilence #EndGenderBasedViolence #SayNoToViolence @FWRM1 pic.twitter.com/yiPerU25Py

— Fiji Red Cross Society (@FijiRedCross) November 25, 2024

Donors typically focus on measurable outcomes and prefer funding short-term, project-based initiatives. This approach can undermine the long-term, transformative goals that feminist movements in Fiji are striving for.

Local activists, on the other hand, emphasise process-oriented change. They value empowerment, community engagement, and challenging harmful cultural norms.

Success, in their view, is measured by increased awareness, behavioural change, and sustainable community involvement – not just by statistics and reports.

Lynda Tabuya, a prominent figure advocating for women's rights in Fiji, said:

“Empowerment is not something that can be imported; it must be cultivated from within.”

While international aid has provided valuable resources, they must align these resources with the realities and needs of local communities. To enhance the effectiveness of feminist and queer movements to address GBV in Fiji, it's essential to rethink how resources are mobilised and allocated and to rethink outdated aid frameworks.

As we reflect during these 16 Days of Activism, the story of Fiji’s feminist movements reminds us that while resources are vital, how they are mobilised and managed can make all the difference.

Author's note: This article draws upon research exploring the impact of international donors and geopolitics on feminist movements in Fiji, highlighting the intricate interplay of funding, power, and resistance.