Shifting the Power - Emergency Response System

Recently, senior leaders from BWF travelled to Fiji to continue discussion with the Shifting the Power Colalition (StPC) on setting up a women-led early warning and communications system in response to climate change, disasters, and health emergencies.

Since BWF goals and mission is to empower women throughout Bougainville, and to raise awareness around climate change and disaster risk reduction, StPC and BWF are working together to introduce a new Power hub which is women-led within the communities of Bougainville.

These power hubs will also provide a safe space for women to speak openly, and in their own way, about climate change and the resulting disruptions to their lives. Following the eruption of Mt Bagana in 2023 which saw devasting consequences on the communities, BWF has decided to initially implement this power system in the Torokina community.

The Power System will include a mobile solar based communication system which will be allocated in the district office of Torokina and will be led by the women of Torokina in partnership with the district office and Community Government.

The Power System with has three disctict phase:

1. Early Warning & Preparedness - Impact Based Forecasting Information

2. Tracking a Disaster/Hazard signs

3. Post Disaster & Recovery

BWF is currently still in design and consultation phase with its key stakeholders. The project will focus on the management of the power system being undertaken by young women and young men, to enhance capabilities of Bougainville’s younger generation. This will strengthen the partnerships of BWF and the Bougainville Youth Federation (BYF) throughout the communities of Bougainville.