Women with disabilities in Fiji, Kiribati and Tonga will receive new livelihood opportunities while helping reduce plastic pollution through a partnership between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF).
Funded by the Australian Government, SPREP's Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) will support PDF to pilot an initiative that trains women with disabilities to manufacture and distribute reusable menstrual pads, and related hygiene products in the three Pacific Island countries.
The initiative aims to provide sustainable alternatives to disposable menstrual products, many of which contain plastic materials that contribute to growing waste and pollution challenges across the Pacific.
Through the project, women from Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) will receive training, equipment and materials to produce reusable menstrual pad kits, including carry bags, underwear, wash cloths, soap and waterproof storage bags.
The products will then be distributed to women and girls with disabilities, accompanied by practical training on their use, care and maintenance.
"One of the disadvantages faced by women with disabilities in Pacific Island societies has been limited access to education and employment opportunities, although this is gradually improving across the region," said Ms Sisi Coalala, Manager of PDF's Inclusive Development Unit.
"Through economic empowerment and livelihood initiatives such as this, women with disabilities can earn an income, support their families and improve their quality of life while contributing positively to their communities."
PDF's Social Inclusion Coordinator, Ms Sainimili Tawake, said the initiative also has the potential to create longer-term market opportunities for women-led disability organisations.
"One of our goals is to engage with partners such as UNFPA and other organisations that procure dignity kits for persons with disabilities across the Pacific. If these products can be sourced from women with disabilities in Fiji, Tonga and Kiribati, it would create sustainable livelihood opportunities that extend well beyond the life of this project.”
POLP Project Manager, Mr. Andrea Volentras, said the initiative demonstrates how environmental action can deliver social and economic benefits for communities.
"This partnership brings together two important goals of our project - reducing plastic pollution and empowering women with disabilities through skills development, income-generating opportunities and access to sustainable menstrual hygiene products.”
The project supports POLP’s objective of reducing single-use plastics and encouraging the production and uptake of locally made, sustainable alternatives throughout the Pacific region.
"Women and girls with disabilities often face barriers in accessing menstrual hygiene products and information. This initiative not only addresses those challenges but also creates opportunities for women with disabilities to develop skills, earn an income and contribute to environmental sustainability in their communities,” Mr. Volentras said.
As part of the initiative, PDF and participating OPDs will work with local partners, clothing manufacturers and accommodation providers to source donated materials and fabric offcuts for production.
Women from disability organisations in Fiji who already have received prior training will also support peer-to-peer training activities in Fiji, Kiribati and Tonga.
The pilot project will run until January 2027 and is expected to contribute to POLP's long-term vision of cleaner coastal environments across Pacific Island countries by reducing the amount of single-use plastic waste entering the environment.
The Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) is funded by the Government of Australia and implemented by SPREP.