Women Building Futures: Advancing Inclusive, Climate‑Resilient Housing
In May 2026, Habitat for Humanity Canada convened Women Building Futures, a landmark housing forum in Suva, Fiji. The event brought together leaders and practitioners from across Canada and the Pacific to explore how housing systems can better reflect the needs of women, people living with disabilities, Indigenous communities, and regions on the frontlines of climate change.
As the first event of its kind linking Canadian and Pacific partners, the forum brought together diverse voices to address complex housing challenges through dialogue and shared learning. The event was co-facilitated by Habitat for Humanity Canada and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM), with support from Habitat for Humanity Fiji and Habitat for Humanity New Zealand. Funding was provided by Global Affairs Canada.
Diverse participation grounded in lived experience
The forum welcomed approximately 40 participants representing Habitat organizations, Indigenous housing groups, women’s rights organizations, government and community partners from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
The forum prioritized lived experience as a foundation for decision‑making. Participants shared insights on gender‑responsive and inclusive housing, Indigenous‑led approaches, and climate‑resilient design.
Looking ahead
After three days of lively discussion, participants announced nine priority recommendations for housing equity:
- Agency and space for women in housing policy and design
- Disability inclusion in design
- Strong partnerships and coordination across NGOs and governments
- Advocacy for women’s land tenure
- Participatory planning that includes gender-responsive programming
- Quality community consultation
- Skills, digital and leadership training for women and youth
- Advocacy on national housing policy
- Integrating a gender equality, disability and social inclusion lens into Habitat for Humanity’s national and global programs
These priorities were shared with Her Excellency Jennifer LaLonde, Canada’s High Commissioner to Fiji, and presented to decision-makers at a Pacific Regional Housing Forum.
For Habitat for Humanity Canada, the forum reflects an ongoing commitment to convening inclusive conversations and advancing equitable housing solutions. By bringing together diverse leaders and perspectives, Habitat Canada continues to strengthen its role as a trusted convener, supporting communities in Canada and around the world to build more resilient, inclusive futures.