In the Pacific, there is a growing number of faith-based initiatives to end violence against women and children, such as the recent relaunch in Fiji of the faith-based television campaign “My faith says “No!” to rape and violence against women and children.”
“This campaign has encouraged faith leaders to act upon their commitment to end violence,” shared the Reverend Sereima Lomaloma, a trustee at the House of Sarah, while launching the video for the latest 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
“We see this as an opportunity to really engage the different faiths and come together as one and speak out against the injustices in society, violence in all its forms and especially gender-based violence,” Ms Lomaloma said.
The revamped campaign — television, social media, printed calendar and poster — by House of Sarah is supported by the Fiji Government-led ‘National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls’ (Fiji NAP PVAWG) Unit, in partnership with the Pacific Women Lead at the Pacific Community (PWL at SPC) program.
Selai Cama Korovusere, national coordinator of the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Unit, said “Fiji’s NAP has several priorities, and the faith setting is one of them. The NAP acknowledges the tremendous work done by faith leaders that promote peace, understanding and love. Faith-based environments are critical to ensure whatever is being shared fosters a culture of peace and love so that is taken to the home.
“Participation in the ending violence campaign aligns with our (Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji) core values of peace, compassion, and unity,” said Pundit Krishneel Tiwari, national secretary of Sanatan Fiji.
“Sanatan Fiji recognises that as a faith-based organisation, we have a moral responsibility to lead by example in fostering respect and harmony within and beyond our religious community.
“By supporting the ‘end violence’ campaign, we aim to amplify the message that violence in any form is unacceptable and that everyone has a role to play in creating a safer, more inclusive society.”
The Reverend Joseph Taukave from the Wesley City Mission Church said rates of violence were high and there was a lack of discipline in morals, in addition to other issues including financial needs, pornography, alcohol, drugs and less time with family.
“As a church minister, I believe it is part of my pastoral work to support this campaign, to provide solutions and create awareness.”
n This article has been adapted from material originally published by the Pacific Community (SPC). It has been edited for length.
