Data collected through the Fiji Country Gender Assessment shows that women now have a higher unemployment rate at 12 per cent compared with the national rate of five per cent of unemployment.
This, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
He said this was because of the high demand for women in unpaid work, which they carried out for those around them particularly during and after the pandemic.
“This has led women experiencing new or heightened levels of poverty,” Mr Rabuka said.
“In 2020, 94 per cent of rape and sexual assault victims were women. Out of every 10 women, four experience severe physical violence and 15 per cent of these women have been physically attacked during pregnancy. Data collected from domestic violence helpline reveals that during the festive season, over the past five years, more than 1200 domestic violence cases have been recorded in the month of April and May each year, followed by almost 900 cases in December.”
He said Fiji had one of the highest rates of violence against women and girls and this problem peaked during festive seasons. This, he said, had been analysed in the gender assessment.
“The Fiji Country Gender Assessment is an analysis of the challenges facing our women and girls across the country today. The issues they face in various sectors, such as health, economy, education, the environment, gender-based violence, social and cultural norms, leadership, and decision making. Data contained in that assessment will help the Government identify the gaps and put together targeted solutions that address those inequalities.”
Mr Rabuka said he was proud of women, most of whom are mothers, who worked tirelessly on the Fiji Country Gender Assessment, which would be used to guide and direct Government’s work in looking after the well-being of women and children in Fiji.
