Technology-facilitated gender-based violence continues to be a major issue for Pacific island nations, according to Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya. She expressed these concerns during a graduation ceremony for 42 participants who completed the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre’s (FWCC) 44th regional training program focused on gender, violence against women and girls, human rights, and development.
The rigorous four-week training program commenced on July 29 and concluded with a graduation celebration held on Thursday at Yatu Lau in Suva. In her address to the graduates, Ms. Tabuya acknowledged the progress made to safeguard Pacific women and children from various forms of gender-based violence. However, she emphasized that further efforts are necessary, pointing to Fiji’s implementation of its inaugural National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls for the period of 2021 to 2026.
Ms. Tabuya credited the achievement to the support received from civil society organizations, affirming, “We finally recognize patriarchy as the root cause for gender-based violence and gender inequality.” She also raised concerns regarding the underrepresentation of Pacific women in political arenas, commending Kiribati for electing five women to their Parliament.
During the program, participants engaged in learning about various violence-related issues, covering topics including rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, child abuse, and human rights laws. They also focused on utilizing media, addressing climate change, online violence, reproductive rights, and the effects of pornography on violence against women and girls.
FWCC coordinator Shamima Ali noted the growing interest in the program, with more individuals applying to participate in efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls. Established in 1995, the program now boasts numerous success stories from communities and countries where past participants have returned to implement positive changes.
This year’s participants hailed from a range of locations including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, West Papua, and Nauru.