Efforts to tackle gender-based violence in the Pacific have seen a significant boost with the initiation of a two-week training program in the Cook Islands. This initiative, led by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) in collaboration with Punanga Turuturu Itivaine, aims to better equip participants to recognize various forms of violence against women and girls, delve into their root causes, and address the effects on families and communities.
Facilitated by FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali, the program not only emphasizes identifying violence but also incorporates prevention strategies and survivor-centered counseling, ensuring that support is grounded in a rights-based approach. Since its inception in 1996, the FWCC has been instrumental in combating gender-based violence across the region, beginning with the Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women established in 1992. Today, the network has expanded to over ten countries, showcasing the collaborative efforts toward this critical issue.
The recently launched training in the Cook Islands reflects a growing trust in FWCC’s expertise, as articulated by Ali, who noted the evolving challenges in preventing gender-based violence. This program’s design is enhanced by the long-term support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which has backed FWCC’s initiatives for over 30 years, further reinforcing efforts to strengthen women’s rights advocacy across the Pacific.
The Cook Islands training represents a hopeful step forward in empowering communities to address and combat violence against women effectively. As training participants develop vital skills to address these issues, there is optimism that the ongoing dialogue and training will foster positive change and ultimately contribute to healthier, safer communities for women and girls in the region.
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