Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has made a compelling national appeal for unity and action as Fiji begins the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. During the launch of the campaign, Kiran urged all Fijians to rally around survivors of abuse, to report incidents of violence, and to dismantle the culture of impunity that allows such acts to continue, both in physical spaces and online.
Speaking under this year’s national theme, Kiran emphasized the urgent need for a collective response to the country’s alarmingly high rates of violence against women. She highlighted that Fiji has one of the highest incidences of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by intimate partners globally, with two out of three women reporting experiences of such violence.
“The 16 Days of Activism is not merely a slogan, but a heartfelt call to every Fijian, community, and institution to take decisive action. We must support survivors, promote reporting, and ensure accountability for perpetrators, regardless of where the abuse occurs,” Kiran asserted.
Kiran pointed out the government’s commitment to tackling this crisis through the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (2023–2028), which adopts a whole-of-society approach to address the issue. The Ministry plans to reinforce reporting mechanisms, enhance professional survivor services, and ensure accountability for technology-facilitated abuse, such as cyberbullying and image-based violence.
The campaign runs from November 25 to December 10, linking the elimination of violence against women to broader human rights advocacy. As part of their efforts, the government is encouraging faith groups, workplaces, schools, and communities to act on this theme and to wear purple as a symbol of support.
Previously, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that gender-based violence is a shared societal responsibility. In his addresses, he noted the pressing nature of this issue and urged for continued action beyond the 16 days of activism. Rabuka underscored the importance of a dual approach—preventing violence while ensuring justice, stressing that these efforts are crucial not only for the well-being of women and girls but for the stability and development of the nation as a whole.
This call for unity against gender-based violence is essential in fostering a culture of respect, safety, and empowerment within Fiji. By engaging all societal segments and shifting collective attitudes, there is hope for a future where violence is no longer tolerated, and justice becomes a reality for survivors.
Leave a comment