“The home has become the deadliest place for women in Fiji.”
Those were the words of Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) Coordinator Shamima Ali, in response to the brutal killing of a woman in Rabi, after being allegedly beaten by her husband.
The incident occurred outside a church, in full view of villagers, none of whom intervened.
“This case, where a woman was murdered by her husband in front of bystanders, tragically reinforces the deadly reality women face in their own homes,” Ms Ali said.
Ali said the case was a stark reminder of the country’s ongoing struggle with gender-based violence and a failure by society and the state to protect women.
“Every time a woman dies because of domestic violence, it reflects our collective failure, all of civil society and government, to empower women and girls.
“Fifty seven women have been killed by their intimate partners in Fiji in the last 12 years.
“These are just the murders that are documented by the police or media.”
Ms Ali said violence against women and girls was preventable and urged the Fijian Government to fully implement the National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (NAP-VAWG), launched in 2023.
“This plan is essential for addressing this urgent issue, and there must be political will to see it through.
“Fiji has supported recommendations at the Universal Periodic Review before the UN Human Rights Council for the full implementation of the NAP-VAWG. We must honour this commitment.”
This marks the fourth woman in recent years to have died in Rabi in similar circumstances, all allegedly at the hands of their intimate partners.
Police have confirmed that the man has been produced in Labasa Magistrates Court last week and charged with one count of murder.
