VIOLENCE against women remains one of the most serious issues facing Fiji today, says Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran.
Speaking in Labasa during International Women’s Day celebrations, Ms Kiran said nearly two-thirds of women experienced some form of violence in their lifetime.
“Statistics show that about 60 per cent of our women suffer some form of violence,” she said.
She said many women who sought help often faced additional barriers.
“Sometimes those women who ask for help do not receive justice, or they do not have the economic empowerment needed to leave abusive situations.”
She said the Government was working on the National Action Plan to Address Gender-Based Violence to strengthen protection and support systems for women.
She said protecting women from violence required stronger collaboration between government agencies and communities.
