Naigani Island has emerged as one of the top contenders for the 2026 Community Billboard Award for Zero Tolerance to Gender-Based Violence.
The recognition highlights the community’s commitment to ending violence against women and children.
The billboard initiative is part of a project by Medical Services Pacific (MSP), funded by the United Nations Trust Fund (UNTF), aimed at honouring communities that show meaningful progress in shifting attitudes and behaviours through education, leadership, and engagement.
MSP’s UNTF team leader, Isireli Nuku, said the villages had shown genuine dedication in using the toolkits during activities and presentations.
“The 10 participating villages include Vunimono, Naikawaga, Naloto, Matacaucau, Sawakasa II, Qelekuro, Naigani Island, Dakuivuna, Manu, and Nabulini,” he said.
Out of these, three villages will be chosen for the final billboard.
Naigani youth leader Renivani Rokoliku said the project had already started transforming the island.
“There has been a significant improvement in reducing domestic violence against women,” she said.
“From what I see, there is no more violence.”
The first assessment in Naigani took place on August 13 and 14 with 38 participants, including women, youth, men, faith-based groups, and community gatekeepers.
Rokoliku said the project, Sensitising the Stakeholders and Communities Involved in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls in Fiji, was reshaping how young people viewed their roles.
“As youth representatives, we’ve learned the importance of valuing and respecting our women and children.”
Naigani must still pass two more assessments before qualifying for the 2026 award.
“When we look at the billboard, we see the rules to follow and emergency contact numbers — it’s a powerful reminder,” Rokoliku said.
She added the community also received legal information and practical strategies for dealing with violence, and thanked MSP and the UNTF for including Naigani.
Naigani villagers participate in the gender-based violence workshop.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Naigani villagers participate in the gender-based violence workshop. Picture: SUPPLIED