The campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence has officially commenced, with calls for greater efforts to dismantle the silence surrounding child adverse experiences and domestic violence in the country. Asinate Ofa, a representative from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Resource Management Unit, highlighted the necessary steps towards fostering open dialogue on these pivotal issues during the launch event held at the Tanoa Plaza hotel in Suva.
Ms. Ofa, who endured physical abuse from her father starting at 19, emphasized the ongoing struggle to confront the root causes of violence against women and girls. Drawing from her personal experiences, she recalled witnessing her mother endure similar abuse, a situation that left lasting physical and emotional scars.
“Many women still feel pressured by traditional norms that perpetuate their silence in the face of violence,” Ofa stated. She advocates for raising awareness to break this cycle, encouraging others to share their narratives as a means of healing and empowerment.
IOM’s chief of Mission, Solomon Kantha, reiterated the urgency of the matter, noting that statistics reveal two out of three women endure domestic violence, indicating significant work remains to be done in combatting these alarming trends.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign provides a crucial platform for individuals to come together, share their stories, and advocate for change, ultimately striving for a society free from violence against women and children.
This initiative fosters hope and represents a commitment to creating a future where silence is no longer acceptable, and every individual has the opportunity to speak out against abuse, fostering a culture of resilience and empowerment.
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