Four out of five children are facing or going through a certain form of abuse or violence, while two out of three women are also facing the same thing. Unfortunately, these numbers have remained unchanged for a number of years.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya shared these observations at Qelekuro Village in Tailevu while unveiling the Sensitising Stakeholders and Communities Involved in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls project.
With the figures she shared, Ms Tabuya hoped it would motivate and challenge stakeholders and the communities to protect their women and children.
The project was launched in partnership with Medical Service Pacific, the Fiji Police Force, United Nations Trust Fund and villages in the district of Dawasamu in Tailevu.
Deputy Police Commissioner Sakeo Raikaci acknowledged and thanked the organisations and 10 villages for their support and commitment.
He said the police had held many meetings and continued to urge parents and guardians to first treasure and protect their families because once that’s well established, the duties and obligations carried out outside the household would then be successful.
Mr Rakaci said many of those who had committed these acts were the very ones that should be protecting the household.
Medical Services Pacific country director Ashna Shaleen said it was an honour to receive the support of the villages.
“This is the first time we are piloting something that the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection did back in 2013. It was called the zero tolerance commitment to violence against women and children in the communities,” Ms Shaleen said.
However, due to certain circumstances, the model could not run for more than 12 years.
The current project is the first of its own for the organisation. She thanked the United Nations Trust Fund for granting its application assistance.
Tailevu villages involved are Qelekuro, Nabulini, Manu, Dakuivuna, Sawakasa II, Matacaucau, Naloto, Naikawaga, Naigani, and Navunimono.
