Celebrating 22 Years of FemTALK 89FM!!

Born from Feminist Resistance

femTALK89FM emerged from FemLINKPacific, a feminist media and broadcasting organization founded in September 2000. Its roots lie in the Blue Ribbon Peace Vigil during Fiji’s 2000 coup, where families of hostages found a safe space to share their voices. Out of that moment of solidarity grew a station dedicated to amplifying women’s perspectives.

Unlike commercial radio, femTALK89FM was designed as a community radio station for, by, and about women. It prioritizes diverse rural women, young women, women with disabilities, and LGBTIQ advocates. Operating 24 hours in Suva with a 300-watt transmitter, the station has also broadcasted from Labasa and through mobile units, ensuring rural communities are never left unheard.

Starting with suitcase radio equipment, femTALK89FM has since upgraded to modern consoles, enabling consistent and professional broadcasts. The station has given rural women leaders a platform to speak directly about development, human security, peace, and disaster resilience. Their voices reach national audiences, ensuring that local and provincial leaders, who are often men, hear women’s perspectives.

Through feminist media training, young diverse women have learnt to lead broadcasts, create content, and step into leadership roles. This has built a pipeline of women leaders in both media and advocacy.

Initiatives like the Women’s Weather Watch highlight women’s role as first responders in rural communities. By mobilizing engagement and resilience during disaster cycles, femTALK89FM has reinforced the importance of inclusive decision-making at all levels of governance.

• To the young diverse women broadcasters, past and present, thank you for your passion in voicing women’s issues on air.

• To the diverse rural women, your contribution has been a catalyst for change in communities and across the nation.

• To the staff of FemLINKPacific and convenors, your hard work in empowerment, advocacy, and showcasing women’s success stories has been invaluable.

• To the donors, your support has ensured femTALK89FM continues to thrive.

For the past 21 years, femTALK89FM remains a feminist media space that breaks silences, nurtures leadership, and ensures women’s voices, especially from rural Fiji, are part of shaping peace, development, and resilience.