At least three cases of sexual violence against girls are reported to police every week, a reality Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says Fiji can no longer ignore.
Ms Kiran made the comments while launching the $1million Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Flexi Fund, which will allow government ministries to access support and resources to develop programs that better respond to women, girls, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
She said while Fiji had laws and policies in place, more needed to be done to ensure they translated into meaningful action and protection for the most vulnerable.
“Look at the number of girl children being raped. We have at least three cases coming to the police each week of sexual violence against a girl child, and there may be so many more,” Ms Kiran said.
She said the Australian Government-supported fund would allow ministries to apply for technical assistance and resources to strengthen policies and deliver more targeted services.
“Generally when a program is developed, it just delivers to the public, and it may not be very focused on the most vulnerable.”
She said the fund would support ministries in integrating the needs of women and the vulnerable community into policies, legislation, programs, investments and budget planning.
“So while policies are extremely important … sometimes not all policies translate into action.”
Ms Kiran said 14 ministries, including the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces were undergoing institutional capacity development to improve gender, disability and social inclusion across government.
“The challenges cannot be solved by one agency alone when we’re thinking about the whole of the nation.”
Ms Kiran said the fund was intended to help ministries develop practical and innovative solutions that would ensure government services reached those who often faced unequal access to opportunities and support.
