Australia’s $A170 million ($F258 million) over five years to the Pacific Women’s Leadership Program is a sign of the country’s genuine commitment to support gender equality in the region.
This was the word from Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji Paul Wilson.
Speaking at the launch of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women and UN Women’s Gender-Based Violence Counsellor Training Package in Suva yesterday, he said Australia was committed to addressing violence against women and girls in Fiji and across the region.
“In the wake of the pandemic, violence against women and girls was increasing and the FWCC reported recently 5610 domestic violence cases were recorded from January to October this year and there has also been an alarming increase in reported cases of child abuse and child rape cases,” Mr Wilson said.
“And ending violence against women and girls is a high priority for Australia – at home and internationally – as was reflected in the Australian government’s development policy.”
Mr Wilson said Australia’s commitment was clearly outlined by Foreign Minister and Minister for Women Senator Marise Payne at the seventh meeting of Pacific Ministers for Women in April this year.
