Fiji Faces Urgent Call to Action as Violence Against Women Surges

In a tragic surge of violence, four women in Fiji, including a teenage girl, have lost their lives in the past two weeks, prompting significant concern regarding safety within homes and communities. The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, expressed her devastation over these incidents, particularly as national awareness campaigns aimed at addressing violence against women and girls are underway.

The minister conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims: 16-year-old Salote Sakiti of Naqali Village, Anandi Devi of Ba, 18-year-old Venina Cirikeba Cava of Lautoka, and Volonia Likutabua of Veisari, Lami, who was allegedly murdered by her husband. Kiran emphasized that the loss of each life is preventable and underscores the urgent need for collective action within communities.

Highlighting the alarming trend, Kiran noted that most victims are often attacked in spaces meant to provide safety, such as their own homes. She urged families to strengthen their connections and monitor the wellbeing of young women closely. The rise in violence during the festive season is particularly concerning, with Kiran pointing out that youth are increasingly involved in theft and assaults, often linked to substance use.

The Minister called for witnesses to come forward and report incidents of violence, reaffirming that every act of violence is a needless loss of life, referencing the recent killing of Fizaz Ali in Tavua. Community elders, families, and faith leaders are encouraged to engage young people in positive activities that instill values of care and responsibility.

For those experiencing violence or distress, Kiran urged seeking assistance through available resources such as the Domestic Violence Toll-Free Helpline at 1560, the Child Helpline at 1325, or reaching out to Empower Pacific at 5626, where trained professionals are ready to help.

This unfortunate sequence of events serves as a harsh reminder of the vulnerabilities many women face, but it also shines a light on the ongoing need for community cohesion and support systems to combat and prevent such violence.