The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, is calling on market vendors across Fiji to take an active role in safeguarding and supporting women and girls in their communities. During her address, she emphasized the ongoing tragedy of gender-based violence in Fiji, highlighted by a recent incident where a woman was allegedly murdered by her husband, who then took her body to a police station. This disturbing event underscores the harsh reality that awareness campaigns alone cannot prevent such violence.
Kiran stressed the importance of transforming market spaces, where many women gather daily, into safer and more supportive environments. She encourages vendors to look out for one another, recognize signs of distress, and connect survivors of violence to the necessary support services. The Minister also pointed to an alarming trend of violence that extends beyond physical spaces into the digital realm, with increasing reports of harassment, blackmail, and the non-consensual sharing of images targeting women.
Furthermore, she urged parents to be cautious about sharing photographs of their children online, noting that many images have already been found circulating in harmful digital contexts. Kiran mentioned the ministry’s efforts to enhance service delivery protocols to address online violence, making support more accessible through the Domestic Violence Helpline (2016), the Child Helpline (1335), and the 24-hour Pacific Free Helpline (5626).
Recognizing the vital contributions of women-led vendor associations, Kiran called for increased action—especially during the festive season—to ensure all women in markets receive the protection, emotional support, and information they need. While acknowledging that the government is working to improve laws and responses, she emphasized that fundamental safety starts within families, workplaces, and community spaces. Kiran believes that women vendors have the capacity to protect one another and actively contribute to preventing further tragedies. By fostering a collaborative and vigilant environment, the community can strive for a future where every woman feels safe and supported.
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