Dress in Black: Fiji’s Fight Against Gender Violence

Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, is actively advocating for all Fijians to wear black every Thursday as part of the “Thursdays in Black” campaign aimed at ending violence against women and children. The campaign encourages communities to confront the underlying attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate such violence and to act in solidarity and urgency.

In her support for the campaign, Minister Kiran highlighted the critical need to address the widespread tolerance of gender-based violence in Fijian society, which is often dismissed as a private issue. “This perception must be challenged, as the lives of our women are at stake,” she stated. She emphasized the importance of zero tolerance for any form of violence, urging community members to hold individuals accountable for violent behaviors.

Kiran acknowledged the significant gaps in services available to support victims and stressed the necessity for every individual to take deliberate action in creating safer environments for women and girls. She called for meaningful reflection and proactive steps every week to ensure that homes and communities become sanctuaries free from violence.

This initiative aligns with previous discussions about the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Fiji, where recent tragic incidents have brought attention to the issue. The Minister’s call for collective responsibility echoes similar sentiments from earlier statements that underscore the importance of community engagement and proactive measures in addressing domestic violence.

Fiji is grappling with alarming statistics indicating that nearly two-thirds of women experience violence from intimate partners during their lifetimes. The ongoing advocacy reflects a united front against these troubling trends and highlights the critical role of community involvement, education, and empathy in fostering a culture of respect.

As Minister Kiran inspires hope for a future where all individuals can thrive free from fear and violence, the “Thursdays in Black” movement offers a practical approach to raise awareness and ignite change in societal attitudes toward gender-based violence. Together, with consistent effort and commitment, Fiji can work towards a safer environment for women and children.