A new safe shelter for women escaping violence has been established in Lautoka, providing protection, counselling and support for those seeking to rebuild their lives.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the Women’s Safe Shelter is being managed by Empower Pacific and is now fully equipped and staffed.
The facility was originally built by Soroptimist International on State-provided land and handed over to the Government in 2021, but remained closed.
Ms Kiran said when the Coalition Government took office, it identified the need for improvements to ensure the facility met safety, security and shelter compliance requirements.
She said LDS Charities subsequently invested $180,000 to upgrade the facility, while the Government provided an operational grant to enable the shelter to begin providing services.
“This shelter is a space where women escaping violence can find protection, counselling and support to begin rebuilding their lives,” Ms Kiran said.
She thanked Empower Pacific, Soroptimist International, LDS Charities and other partners involved in establishing and operating the facility.
Ms Kiran said cooperation across government, civil society and communities was essential to ensure women experiencing violence knew where they could seek assistance.
“We must work together to ensure that women experiencing violence know that support is available, that they are not alone, and that they have a pathway towards safety, healing and independence,” she said.
The Minister stressed that violence against women and girls should never become accepted as part of society.
“Violence against women and girls must never be accepted or normalised. Every woman deserves to live free from violence and fear,” Ms Kiran said.
