The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence commenced yesterday, and Asinate Ofa emphasizes the urgent need to challenge the prevailing culture of silence surrounding this critical issue in the country. Ofa, who is associated with the International Organisation for Migration’s (IOM) Resource Management Unit, played a pivotal role as one of the three moderators during the launch of the activism campaign held at the Tanoa Plaza hotel in Suva.
Reflecting on her personal experiences, Ms. Ofa recounted the violence she endured at the hands of her father starting at the age of 19 and acknowledged that the fundamental causes of violence against women and girls have not been effectively addressed. She pointed out that many women often succumb to traditional norms that perpetuate silence regarding these issues. “Witnessing my mother endure violence created significant physical and mental trauma for me as the eldest sibling,” she shared.
As a survivor, Ms. Ofa believes that sharing her story can inspire others. She advocates for increased awareness about ending the cycle of violence, underscoring that change must begin with individual actions and attitudes. “I look forward to hearing the stories and journeys of others who come forward,” she added.
IOM’s Chief of Mission, Solomon Kantha, highlighted concerning statistics indicating that two out of three women have experienced domestic violence, signifying that much work remains to tackle these challenging issues effectively.
This campaign not only serves as a platform for raising awareness but also creates an opportunity for survivors to unite in their experiences, encouraging dialogue and fostering a supportive community committed to ending violence against women.
Summary: The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence began with calls for addressing the culture of silence surrounding these issues. Asinate Ofa, a moderator and survivor, shared her experiences and stressed the need for awareness and personal accountability. IOM’s chief emphasized the alarming statistics on domestic violence, highlighting the ongoing need for action. The campaign aims to empower survivors to share their stories and inspire change.
In a hopeful conclusion, this initiative represents a transformative step towards a society where open dialogue about violence is fostered, enabling healing and a collective push towards lasting change.
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