As Fiji gears up to observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged all Fijians to unite against gender-based violence (GBV), highlighting that it is a shared responsibility. In his national address, Rabuka underscored that GBV is a widespread issue impacting every community across Fiji and emphasized the need for continuous action beyond this 16-day campaign.
“Gender-based violence is a pressing issue that requires our collective effort—not just during these 16 days, but every single day of the year,” Rabuka asserted. He pointed out that preventing violence against women and girls is not merely a social challenge but a crucial national concern. He explained how such violence undermines families, erodes community strength, and hampers the nation’s development.
“Violence takes away the stability from families, the resilience from communities, and the possibilities for our nation,” he remarked, stressing that prevention must align with justice, ensuring that women and girls feel safe everywhere and that justice becomes a tangible reality rather than just a promise.
Rakesh Chand, the Deputy Director of Community-Oriented Policing, also reminded parents to be particularly vigilant during the festive season, a time when incidents of domestic violence often increase. He encouraged families to create safer surroundings for their loved ones.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism carries the theme “From Prevention to Justice, Ending Violence, Impunity Against Women and Girls in All Spaces.” The initiative aims to bolster efforts to prevent violence while ensuring accountability for offenders and fostering safe environments for women and girls.
Rabuka’s address serves as a compelling call to action for citizens, organizations, and communities to collaborate in the fight against GBV. “Ending gender-based violence is everyone’s responsibility,” the Prime Minister concluded. “Together, we can establish a society where women and girls can live without fear and where justice is not just a promise but a reality.”
The campaign kicks off tomorrow, with Fijians encouraged to engage in activities and discussions that promote meaningful change in their communities.
In summary, Fiji is taking significant steps to tackle the critical issue of gender-based violence through a united call for action, addressing the problem not only during the campaign but throughout the entire year. The focus on both prevention and justice provides a hopeful framework for future progress in ensuring safety and equity for women and girls in society.
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