Introduction For thousands of families across Fiji's Greater Suva Area, reliable access to clean water is more than a convenience. It means healthier homes, better sanitation, safer communities, and improved quality of life. Yet behind every new pipeline and upgraded water system lies another important story, one about inclusion, opportunity, and gender equality. Through the Fiji Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Management Investment Program implemented by the Water Authority of Fiji, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Green Climate Fund, and European Investment Bank, gender equality has become an integral part of project delivery. While the program has expanded water services to meet the demands of growing communities, it has also demonstrated that sustainable infrastructure must place people, particularly women and girls, at its center. Gender Dimension of Water Across many households in Fiji, women are primarily responsible for managing daily water needs. When water supplies become unreliable, they are often the first to experience the impact. From preparing meals and maintaining household hygiene to caring for children and older family members, interruptions to water services place significant pressure on women and girls. In some cases, prolonged water shortages contribute to increased household stress and domestic conflict. Understanding these realities, the Water Authority of Fiji recognized that improving infrastructure alone would not be enough. Ensuring women had a voice throughout project planning and implementation became equally important. Space for Community Women's Voices Community consultation has become a cornerstone of the Fiji Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Management Investment Program. Between August 2016 and March 2022, consultations were carried out across nine villages and three settlements identified as priority communities. These locations were selected, following careful review of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, together with the Land Resettlement Plan, to ensure that those most likely to be affected by project activities were included. Throughout implementation, the Water Authority of Fiji engaged all villages and communities across the project corridor to better understand local needs and concerns. However, experience quickly showed that traditional consultation meetings did not always encourage women to speak openly. Cultural norms often meant women remained silent, while community leaders or male representatives led discussions. In response, the Water Authority of Fiji introduced dedicated consultation sessions exclusively for women. These smaller, more inclusive discussions provided a safe environment where women confidently shared their experiences—raising concerns about water reliability, sanitation, environmental impacts, noise, and the health challenges associated with inconsistent water supply. Insights gathered through consultations strengthened implementation while ensuring women's perspectives were reflected in decision-making. For example, In Naqali village, women brought attention to frequent dust spreading through their homes, especially in laundry areas. Their feedback prompted contractors to regularly sprinkle water on roads and construction sites to control dust, ensuring cleaner and safer living spaces. To strengthen communication and keep residents informed, a Frequently Asked Questions pamphlet was developed and distributed along the project corridor. The pamphlet was produced in both iTaukei and English, ensuring comprehension was paramount for all affected communities. Grievance Redress Mechanism In line with the Asian Development Bank’s Safeguards Policy, a Grievance Redress Committee was established to ensure community concerns are heard and addressed. Women were encouraged to be part of the committee, bringing together representatives from the 10 identified villages, including women head representatives, contractor SinoHydro Corporation, the Water Authority of Fiji’s Special Projects team, project consultant SMEC, and selected Fiji Government stakeholders. The inclusion of women in the process highlights transparency and the importance of structured grievance mechanisms in safeguarding community interests, while supporting the smooth implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects. Representatives from Fiji villages were invited to be part of the Grievance Redress Committee. Photo credit: SMEC International. Women’s Institutional Opportunities Gender equality within the program extended beyond community engagement. The program sought to increase women's access to employment opportunities generated through the infrastructure works. While barriers remained, including cultural expectations, limited technical qualifications, family responsibilities, and the physically demanding nature of construction work, important progress has been achieved. Today, at the institutional level, women are increasingly entering technical and operational roles within the Water Authority of Fiji. Recent apprenticeship recruitment in 2025 has seen women account for approximately 36% of new technical apprentices, representing a significant step towards greater female participation in engineering, electrical, and water sector careers. This progress reflects the ongoing commitment of the utility company to create pathways for women in traditionally male-dominated professions. Gender Action Plan Achieving lasting change required more than isolated activities. It demanded a deliberate effort to embed gender equality into the way the Water Authority of Fiji works. A comprehensive Gender Action Plan guided implementation across the project, supported through close collaboration between the utility company, project contractors, implementation consultants, and the ADB project team. Training, coaching, and practical support helped Water Authority of Fiji staff translate gender commitments into everyday project implementation. Ongoing technical support helped improve monitoring and implementation of gender commitments throughout the project lifecycle. Perhaps most importantly, the water utility revitalized its Gender Equality Task Force, bringing together key officers from across the organization to champion gender-responsive policies, monitor progress, and guide future initiatives. Gender Equality Policy The approval of the Water Authority of Fiji’s Gender Equality Policy in October 2025 marked an important institutional milestone. For the first time, gender equality was embedded in a formal framework that guides recruitment, career development, leadership opportunities, and workplace practices across the organization. The policy provides a long-term framework for promoting fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity throughout the organization. It reinforces the public utility’s commitment to eliminating discrimination, strengthening women's participation in leadership and decision-making, and embedding gender considerations across all aspects of water and wastewater service delivery. The policy also supports transparent recruitment, professional development, safe workplaces, and greater representation of women in technical and operational careers. Together with the revived Gender Equality Task Force, it establishes a strong institutional foundation that will influence future projects long after construction has been completed. To advance gender inclusivity, the Water Authority of Fiji developed the 2050 Water Sector Strategy, which supports the transformation of the country’s water sector into a more dynamic and gender-balanced institution, through enhanced education and skills development. Lessons The Fiji Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Management Investment Program highlighted valuable lessons for future development initiatives. Meaningful gender inclusion requires patience, cultural understanding, and continuous engagement. It involves listening to communities, adapting consultation approaches, investing in institutional capacity, and ensuring gender commitments are realistic, measurable, and supported by adequate resources. Most importantly, it requires recognizing that, lasting change happens when communities themselves, become partners in promoting equality. Way Forward The Fiji Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Management Investment Program demonstrates that infrastructure can deliver far more than physical assets. Every new water connection represents healthier families. Every consultation creates an opportunity for women's voices to be heard. Every apprenticeship opens the door to new careers for young women and every policy strengthens the foundation for a more social and gender inclusive organization. As the Water Authority of Fiji continues to implement its Gender Equality Policy and expand opportunities for women across the water sector, it is helping build, not only resilient infrastructure, but resilient communities, because, when access to water is matched by equal opportunity, everyone benefits. Note: The Author wishes to acknowledge the following ADB staff who contributed to this article: Beatrice Olsson, Senior Gender Office and Albert Cerelala, Senior Project Officer. Resources Asian Development Bank. Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Management Investment Program in Fiji. Water Source. 2024. First Fijian Water Strategy Sets Out Targets for 2050. Australian Water Association. News Article. 13 May. Ask the Experts A’aron Psalms Knowledge Management Consultant, Pacific Department, Asian Development Bank A’aron brings over 15 years of professional experience across Fiji’s private and public sectors, specializing in capacity development, public sector reform, process improvement, customer relations management, monitoring and evaluation, and learning and development. He is currently engaged with the ADB as a knowledge management consultant and has also served as a gender consultant for selected ADB projects across the Pacific, including Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, and Tuvalu. Leave your question or comment in the section below: View the discussion thread.