THE high rate of domestic violence has prompted women’s organisations in the Pacific to call on governments, civil society, religious and traditional communities to work together to eliminate this scourge.
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) coordinator Shamima Ali said unless everyone was on board, the mindset towards domestic violence would not shift.
Her remarks come as a month-long training began in Suva yesterday, aimed at upskilling 46 representatives from 11 Pacific island countries to analyse, strategise and organise to address and reduce gender-based violence in their homes and communities.
Ms Ali said the program was an important one in the region, as the Pacific held some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world.
“We are double the world’s average,” Ms Ali said.
“So, it’s important that we all learn.
“We started this program with about five people from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji.
“Now, people come to the centre because we’ve been around for the longest time ever, and we have developed material that suits the Pacific.”
She said patriarchy was mostly the cause of gender inequality and discrimination against women in the Pacific.
“Patriarchal systems give rise to male privileges, male entitlements.
“And that has been with us, for many years, particularly after the Pacific Island Countries were colonised.
“So, it’s going to take a lot of work and effort from governments, civil society, the religious and traditional communities because unless we are all on board, we are not going to shift it.”
The training is being held at the Yatu Lau Hotel in Suva and will conclude on May 30.
