Shamima Ali, the coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, has called for a societal shift regarding the perception of single women who become pregnant. Her comments were prompted by a recent tragic incident where a newborn baby was discovered in a restroom at a tertiary institution hostel in Lautoka. Ali emphasized that instead of assigning judgment, society should extend compassion and support to women in these situations, urging them to seek help.
“Stop taking the moral high ground and start offering kindness,” Ali stated, highlighting the need for empathy in preventing such heartbreaking occurrences. She reminded women facing unplanned pregnancies about the resources available for them, including the National Toll-free Helpline 1560 managed by the FWCC. This helpline offers support and referrals for those in need.
This call for understanding and support resonates with broader discussions within the community about vulnerable individuals. Recently, similar sentiments were echoed by the Fiji National University (FNU), which expressed deep sorrow over the baby found at their campus. FNU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nii-K Plange, stressed the importance of community support for individuals in crisis while reaffirming their commitment to assist any students in need.
Concerns regarding child welfare have been heightened by recent tragedies involving abandoned infants, illuminating the dire need for enhanced support systems for those in distress. Ali’s message complements ongoing efforts to promote awareness about domestic violence and child welfare within Fiji, particularly as over 200 new domestic violence cases have been recorded in recent months, reflecting urgent issues that need addressing.
As these discussions unfold, there remains hope that compassionate community actions can foster an environment where individuals facing difficulties feel supported and empowered to seek help. Working collectively could pave the way towards preventing tragedies and ensuring a safer tomorrow for mothers and their children.
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