Faith Leaders Unite: A New Fight Against Violence in Fiji

In the Pacific, faith-based initiatives are taking center stage in the fight against violence targeting women and children, as demonstrated by the recent relaunch of the campaign, “My Faith Says ‘No!’ to Rape and Violence,” in Fiji. This effort encourages religious leaders to embody their commitment to ending violence within their communities.

The campaign’s launch coincides with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and Reverend Sereima Lomaloma, a trustee at the House of Sarah, underscored the importance of uniting different faiths to speak against societal injustices. The initiative aims to leverage faith-based environments to foster a culture of peace and respect, critical to addressing issues of violence at home.

Supported by the Fiji Government’s ‘National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls’, the campaign employs television, social media, and promotional materials to spread its message. Selai Cama Korovusere, the national coordinator of the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Unit, noted that involving religious settings is essential to the national plan’s success, emphasizing the positive influence that faith leaders can have in promoting understanding and compassion.

Pundit Krishneel Tiwari from Sanatan Fiji highlighted the organization’s commitment to ethical values and the importance of all members of society participating in efforts to create safe communities free from violence. The Reverend Joseph Taukave, from the Wesley City Mission Church, expressed the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackling issues like financial stress and substance abuse that contribute to violence.

These initiatives align with ongoing global discussions, such as the “16 Days of Activism”, emphasizing collective responsibility in combating gender-based violence—an issue that continues to plague Fiji, where statistics indicate high rates of violence against women. As communities rally together in support of these campaigns, there is a hopeful outlook that combined efforts can lead to more inclusive, respectful, and violence-free environments.

Emphasizing the role of faith in societal change, both community leaders and activists are fostering a renewed commitment to address these critical challenges, signaling a potential shift towards greater gender equality and justice in Fiji.