More than 70 per cent of all reported sexual violence cases in Fiji involve girls and some boys under the age of 18.
This was highlighted by Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Lynda Tabuya while delivering her ministerial statement on the Fiji Country Gender Assessment in Parliament yesterday.
She also said violence against women was “normalised” in Fiji and in the family dynamic it continued to recur from one generation to the next.
“More than four in 10 women experience severe physical violence, including 15 per cent of women who are physically attacked during pregnancy,” Ms Tabuya said.
“Over the course of the lives of ever-partnered Fijian women, nearly two-thirds, that is 64 per cent, experience intimate partner violence.
“This included physical violence, at 61 per cent and emotional violence at 58 per cent.”
Ms Tabuya urged all members of Parliament and relevant stakeholders to undertake a deep dive and study of the FCGA findings and policy recommendations.
“Moving forward, the FCGA is expected to serve as a primary guide for all our policies, programs and budget allocations.
“As we undertake these initiatives, we are looking forward to working with all government agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the FCGA findings and recommendations across all settings and sectors.
“That is a first step to promote gender equality and address gender inequalities.”
