QUEEN Victoria School has put its voice and footsteps into a spirited stride, urging men and boys to embrace respect, compassion, and accountability in their every day lives.
Opening the school’s Strides Against Violence Against Women and Girls on Saturday, QVS principal Waliki Naisau called on participants to make caring for others an every day commitment.
The walk also supported the 16 Days Activism Against Violence against Women.
While it also helped raise funds for the school’s athletics program, its main purpose was to promote safety and respect for women and girls.
“Today (Saturday) we gather for more than just a walk, we gather to stand for unity, for respect and safety, and for inclusion,” Mr Naisau said.
“This is about building a school culture where every young man understands the importance of respecting women, embracing inclusion, and being part of the solution.”
The day’s event also had added importance as it coincided with White Ribbon Day, a day that honours the memory of the 14 women murdered at the Ecole Polytechnique massacre in Montreal on December 6 1989.
The movement began after this tragedy and it encourages men and boys to pledge never to commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women.
FWCC Co-ordinator Shamima Ali said Fiji has made progress in recognising patriarchy as the root cause of violence against women.
“Men must take responsibility for ending violence, challenging inequality, and standing up to patriarchy,” she said.
Organisers placed the fight against violence at the centre of the walk. It was associated with the need to end bullying and to support inclusion for people with disabilities.
