Fiji is set to participate in the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, taking place in Bogota, Colombia, this month. The country’s delegation will be led by Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, who will be accompanied by Child Advisor Natalie Siegel-Brown and Director of Children Arieta Tagivetaua.
During the conference, Minister Tabuya aims to highlight Fiji’s commitment to eradicating violence against children, as well as to advocate for the implementation of care blogs, similar to those in Colombia. These care blogs serve as vital spaces for caregivers, providing them with respite amid their daily challenges.
Bogota, with a population exceeding 4 million, utilizes these care blogs to support caregivers, allowing them to focus on other essential activities such as visiting health centers or attending school while ensuring their children are cared for in safe environments. Additionally, these spaces cater to children with disabilities, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Minister Tabuya envisions bringing insights and transformative ideas from the conference back to Fiji, emphasizing the importance of mental health support for both caregivers and families dealing with challenges, especially in the context of a developing nation.
This participation in the conference underscores Fiji’s proactive stance in addressing violence against children and prioritizing their wellbeing, signaling hope for positive changes in social support systems across the nation. By fostering dialogue and learning from global initiatives, the Fijian government is demonstrating its dedication to creating a safer and healthier environment for its youngest citizens.
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