Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has issued a call to action as Fiji marks the start of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, describing the country’s alarming rates of violence against women and girls as a “national crisis that diminishes all of us.”
In a message, Mr Rabuka said the campaign is not just a symbolic annual observance, but “a dedicated period of reflection, accountability, and decisive action.”
“We cannot, and we must not, shy away from the truth,” he said.
“Nearly two in every three women in Fiji who have been in a relationship have suffered physical or sexual violence by a male partner. That is not a statistic—it is a national tragedy.”
Mr Rabuka highlighted the severity of violence faced by girls, noting findings from Fiji’s first prevalence study indicating one in six women experienced sexual abuse as a child, often at the hands of a trusted male relative or family friend.
“This is not a ‘private matter.’ It is not a ‘women’s issue.’ It is a national crisis and a moral wound on the conscience of our nation,” he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to fully implementing the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, calling it a globally significant, evidence-based framework. Fiji is the first Pacific nation—and only the second country in the world—to adopt such a plan.
“We are already delivering on it,” Mr Rabuka said, citing strengthened police training, re-institution of male advocacy programs within the RFMF, engagement with Provincial Councils, and reforms to limit the use of traditional reconciliation in domestic violence cases.
He said the Government is also expanding efforts to address emerging forms of violence, including cyber harassment and non-consensual image sharing, and strengthening education, health, and media partnerships to shift harmful gender norms.
“Government cannot do this alone,” he added.
“Civil society and faith-based organisations are indispensable partners. Their courage and commitment have carried this work for decades.”
Rabuka urged every Fijian to unite behind the campaign’s theme: “Support the survivor. Report the abuse—online and offline.”
“This National Action Plan is our promise,” he said.
“Change is not only possible; it is the future we are building.”
