The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has taken an important step in tackling violence against women and girls within traditional iTaukei communities in Fiji, according to Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection. She commended the GCC and its chair, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, for prioritizing this critical issue.
Minister Tabuya expressed her appreciation for the GCC’s focus on not just violence but also related challenges such as drug abuse and school dropout rates. She emphasized the significant impact that violence against women and girls has on the iTaukei community, underscoring the need for immediate collective action based on data indicating that two in three women in Fiji have experienced violence during their lifetimes.
The Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls (Fiji NAP) is in alignment with the GCC’s initiatives, aiming to ensure a comprehensive response to all forms of violence faced by women and girls. The minister acknowledged the collaboration with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the iTaukei Affairs Board, stating that working closely with traditional leaders and community stakeholders enhances the effectiveness of the Fiji NAP.
She envisions a future where all communities are safe, highlighting that through collaboration, society can work toward preventing violence and nurturing respectful relationships. The commitment of the GCC and the minister’s progressive stance presents an encouraging outlook for the future, as they aim to create a safer environment for all individuals in Fiji.
This collaborative approach can serve as a model for addressing societal issues through community engagement and leadership, promising a brighter future for women and girls in the region.
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