THEY came all the way from Gau to be part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Suva last month.
Vasemaca Racule and Nanise Koroi, both from Vadravadra Village in Gau were seen taking part in marches and demonstrations that took place in Suva to mark the event.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that began on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.
It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
For Vasemaca, it’s a topic that she’s quite passionate about and one she feels should be highlighted among women living in villages.
“I started getting involved in women’s rights groups after taking part in the National Women’s Expo (a three-day handicraft show),” she shared.
“I used to showcase my handicrafts at the expo — from weaved mats, fans, hats right to pillow cases and place mats.
“Then a fellow member invited me to attend a training organised by a women’s rights movement. That’s when I became very interested in their work,” she smiled.
The 55-year-old is a member of their Vatunileba Women’s Club in Gau as well as the DIVA for Equality organisation.
“What I like about these training from the women’s movements is that it opens our eyes to the opportunities and rights we women have and what we can do especially when dealing with issues of domestic violence,” she said.
“You know us women living in the village, we do not share what we go through. “We are expected to just go with the decisions made by our men.
“By joining our women’s group, my mind is broadened to the issues faced by us.
“We are empowered to see that if there’s something wrong happening, we have to do something about it. I help counsel other women to stand strong.
“That they can serve their role in their families, but know that they can share their problems and there are avenues where they can be helped.
“We have a committee in the village that looks after cases of gender violence and other crimes.
“If any of those crimes happen, the committee looks into it and seek help from the authorities. We came all the way from Gau to be part of these events for us women.
“I want to learn as much as I can and when I go back, I am equipped to empower the women back in my village,” she said.
