30,369 homes were damaged or destroyed as a result of TC Winston in 2016. The Fiji Shelter Handbook is a consolidation of inclusive, Fiji-appropriate, best practice shelter solutions as well as an identification of country-specific supply chains and response protocols. It focuses on areas prioritised by the Fijian Shelter Sector to improve shelter coordination including preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery measures. The handbook recognises the specific challenges and marginalisation experienced by the diverse SOGIESC community, especially in the decision-making process and re-building of shelter following disasters.
The preparedness approach (section 2, page 34) highlights the importance of including, from the outset, women and members of the diverse SOGIESC community in assessment and awareness sessions and consultations; in design, planning and management of warning systems and specifically using gender neutral messaging in warning systems; and ensure emergency evacuation centres are accessible and inclusive of people of all genders and sexualities. The handbook also recognises the lack of privacy the diverse SOGIESC community often experiences and recommends simple solutions to provide appropriate and flexible privacy for diverse SOGIESC people as well as women, girls PWDs and other vulnerable evacuees. The Handbook notes the importance of ensuring staff are adequately trained in ensuring the safety and security of the diverse SOGIESC community through safe identification and appropriate communication to facilitate appropriate support.
