MINISTER for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has raised concern that elderly members of the Indo-Fijian community are committing suicide.
While officiating at the Nari Sabha night during the Sanatan convention at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka on Friday, she also highlighted that 90 per cent of all residents in age care homes were Indo-Fijians.
Ms Kiran said many elderly and those living with disabilities were often left behind lonely and neglected when their family members migrate abroad.
“We need to work through our networks to be able to provide support to our elders, our seniors, whose shoulders we stand on,” she said.
More support, she said, was needed to be provided to youths to facilitate their rehabilitation from drugs.
“Our community is synonymous with the word resilience.
“Our ancestors have gone through every challenge possible to build a future for us.
“Collectively, with solidarity, we can help deal with social challenges facing our community and rebuild the Sanatan family with values that have been shared through generations.”
Ms Kiran paid tribute to the ancestors who had preserved the Indo-Fijian culture and tradition despite all their hardships.
“Through collective efforts, we can support our young with the challenges of adjusting to the modern world.
“For generations, our women have come together at community level to share bonds through spirituality and share their strengths in every difficult situation felt by families, whether someone loses their home in a fire or funerals.”
