Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has acknowledged the ‘Thursdays in Black’ initiative, a global campaign that calls on people to wear black every Thursday.
She told Parliament last week that the initiative also called on Fijians to stand in solidarity with survivors of rape and violence, and to send a powerful message that we will not tolerate gender-based violence in any form.
“By wearing black, we amplify the voices of survivors, challenge the culture of silence, and call for a world free from violence, fear and discrimination,” Ms Kiran said.
“Every life lost to domestic violence is one too many, yet in Fiji, the tragedy continues to unfold in our homes.”
She said this year (in 2025), four women and one man lost their lives to intimate partner violence.
“According to the Fiji Police Force’s latest crime statistics for June 2025, sexual offences have increased by 28 percent, with 60 percent of the victims under the age of 18 years.
“Crime against children have risen by eight percent, over half involving sexual abuse, and nearly a quarter of them committed within family homes.”
Ms Kiran said domestic violence remained widespread, most often perpetrated by those closest to the victim.
“I thank all the members of this House for wearing their awareness pin or wearing black today (last Thursday), demonstrating unity and resolve to end violence in all its forms.
“I urge every honourable member in this House, the leaders in our faith traditions, in the business sector and our community leaders, please, speak out against gender-based violence and encourage your homes and communities to develop zero tolerance to all forms of violence.”
She also said that the Women’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan (WEENAP) was born from a vision for women and girls, in all their diversities, to have the autonomy to define and achieve full and equitable economic empowerment through greater participation, leadership, agency and access to resources, supported by inclusive policy and a safe and enabling environment.
“The development of the Fiji Women’s Economic Empowerment National Action Plan 2025-2030 has been a collaborative and whole-of-Government effort led by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.
“This initiative began with a high-level advisory workshop on Women’s Economic Empowerment in April 2023, organised by our Ministry.
“The workshop brought together 50 experts and leaders from diverse sectors and organisations to identify the common challenges and opportunities facing women and girls in all their diversity.”
Ms Kiran said discussions highlighted the multifaceted roles women in Fiji played as leaders, workers, producers and entrepreneurs, and the challenges they face at individual, household and institutional levels, including navigating abusive relationships, managing caregiving responsibilities, addressing the impacts of climate change, and confronting restrictive social norms and institutional barriers that hindered their economic participation.