Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has delivered a heartfelt and direct appeal to the men of Fiji following a tragic weekend marked by domestic violence incidents that resulted in the deaths of three women. During a recent interview, he emphasized the need for men to “man up” and fulfill their responsibilities as protectors of their families, making it clear that real men do not resort to violence against women.
Rabuka’s remarks come in the aftermath of horrifying events, including a suspected murder-suicide at Suva’s Lagilagi Housing complex, where civil servant Sainimere Tuinasakea and her partner were found dead. Witnesses recounted the shocking noise from children amid the chaos, highlighting the traumatic impact of such violence on families and the community.
In another heartbreaking incident in Nadi, 28-year-old Karishma Chaudhry, who was pregnant with her fifth child, was found fatally stabbed. Her partner, a taxi driver, has been arrested in connection with her death; her family expressed their devastation, revealing that three of her young children were witness to the attack.
These incidents underscore a worrying trend of domestic violence in Fiji, where statistics indicate a troubling escalation in such cases. In 2022 alone, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre recorded over 500 domestic violence incidents, illustrating the persistence of this social crisis despite years of advocacy and legislative efforts aimed at fostering a culture of safety.
Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran described these events as a national emergency. She stressed the importance of community-led efforts to combat domestic violence, maintaining that these tragedies are both preventable and demand immediate action.
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has echoed these calls, asserting that it is vital for individuals and families to take responsibility. Director Shamima Ali stated emphatically, “These deaths were preventable. We must stop making excuses. Enough is enough.” This sentiment expresses a growing urgency among activists and officials to address the cultural and systemic issues contributing to domestic violence in the nation.
In response to this ongoing issue, the government launched the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls in June 2023. This initiative aims to create safer environments through community involvement and increased support systems for victims.
The recent tragedies highlight the essential need for collective efforts to address domestic violence in Fiji. Through ongoing dialogue, support, and community action, there is hope that a culture of respect and safety can be fostered, ensuring that every individual can live free from the threat of violence.
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