According to Shamima Ali, the coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, there are insufficient alternatives such as affordable housing and welfare funds for women seeking to escape violent relationships. While civil society organizations and the government are making efforts, and the National Action Plan is gradually being implemented, Ali emphasizes the need for more options to support victims of domestic violence in Fiji, which has one of the highest rates of such violence worldwide.
Ali noted that while the National Development Plan (NDP) has some positive aspects, its rollout is slow and varies depending on community willingness. She highlighted a critical lack of physical support for women, including affordable housing and welfare funds for those wishing to leave abusive situations. Currently, shelters available for domestic violence survivors are mainly operated by civil society organizations, with no dedicated facilities for women.
She urged the government to take more action and called on the donor community to direct their resources effectively without duplicating the efforts of existing organizations. With limited funding, civil society organizations struggle to provide affordable housing options, often relying on resources like HART housing and Public Rental Board housing, which are becoming increasingly expensive.
Ali pointed out that additional funding sources from institutions like the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank could be instrumental in providing adequate housing for women. She reiterated the need for the government to sustain such initiatives and improve law enforcement in addressing violence against women and girls, which remains a significant gap in support.