On February 27, 2025, an important awareness session took place in Ba, aimed at tackling gender-based violence and its significant impact on women and girls. The session saw the participation of 19 police officers and emphasized the significance of adopting survivor-centered approaches when responding to incidents of violence. This training was organized by the Ba Women’s Crisis Centre (BWCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, and is part of a broader initiative to empower law enforcement with the essential skills to effectively manage cases of violence against women and children.
The discussions during the session included critical referral pathways for survivors, which will enhance the officers’ ability to provide necessary assistance and protection to those affected. This training is one of several similar sessions implemented for police officers in Tavua and Vatukoula, highlighting a nationwide commitment across Fiji to comprehensively address the issue of gender-based violence.
The ongoing work by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), an advocate for women’s rights since 1984, showcases a deepened commitment to both preventing and responding to gender-based violence. The FWCC has created a comprehensive training module that supports Fiji’s National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls while aiming to improve police services and procedures.
Recent discussions between the FWCC and influential members of the Fiji Police Force have reaffirmed the commitment to gender-sensitive policing. These conversations emphasized the need to refine police practices to focus on the safety and rights of women and other vulnerable populations.
Despite prior criticisms regarding the adequacy of police training in addressing domestic violence—as pointed out by FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali—this series of training initiatives signifies a positive shift towards meaningful reform within law enforcement. By enhancing the capabilities of police officers and promoting a compassionate approach to survivors, Fiji is demonstrating significant progress toward creating a safer environment for women and girls.
The proactive efforts through training and inter-agency collaboration offer an optimistic perspective on combating gender-based violence in Fiji. The sustained emphasis on education and awareness is vital in building a supportive system for survivors while ensuring accountability for offenders.
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