“Do not be bystanders!”
Final-year students at the Fiji National University (FNU) have been told not to stand by in silence when witnessing violence or discrimination.
The strong message was delivered during a Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) workshop this week, run in partnership with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC).
The session aimed to equip soon-to-be graduates with the knowledge and tools to promote inclusion and equality in their future workplaces.
FNU counsellor Ronika Deo said the workshop came at a critical time, with domestic violence cases rising across the country.
“We want these students to leave the university understanding what GEDSI is, and how to apply it wherever they go,” she said.
“GEDSI means equal opportunity for all — regardless of gender, disability or social standing. And right now, we must face the reality of increasing violence against women.”
FWCC advocacy officer Stephanie Dunn urged students to speak up and take action.
“One person’s life is everybody’s business,” she said.
“We can’t be bystanders.
“You young people need to be that voice.”
Ms Dunn blamed patriarchal systems for perpetuating violence and said the current generation had the power to end it.
“We don’t want our children — or their children — suffering violence because we failed to act today,” she said.
