Fiji is set to launch a national community attitude survey in January next year, aimed at evaluating societal views towards women and children. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, announced this initiative in Parliament on Monday, emphasizing the survey’s focus on identifying harmful behaviors and attitudes to facilitate much-needed change.
Through this survey, the government aims to establish a baseline for assessing the impact of the Fiji National Action Plan (NAP) on gender issues, which will guide social norms campaigns and corresponding activities. UNICEF will provide technical assistance for the survey’s implementation.
Tabuya underscored the importance of offering timely and quality care for survivors of violence, reinforcing the necessity of accessible support services as awareness of violence increases. The Fiji NAP is pivotal as it promotes preventative measures against violence, encouraging survivors to share their experiences to seek help.
Additionally, in alignment with the ongoing 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Ministry is collaborating with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre to conduct awareness sessions at various police stations nationwide. These sessions focus on enhancing the National Service Delivery Protocol for addressing gender-based violence cases, thus aiming to better support survivors.
In summary, this initiative represents a proactive step towards fostering a more supportive environment for women and children in Fiji, with hopes for lasting social transformation guided by the insights from the forthcoming survey. The collaboration with UNICEF and local organizations also highlights a community-driven approach to tackling these critical issues, paving the way for improved services and societal attitudes.
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