As Fiji gears up for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged all Fijians to unite against this crucial issue, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility.
In his national address, Rabuka pointed out that gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant concern affecting communities across the nation. He stressed that responses to GBV must extend beyond this brief campaign period and require ongoing dedication throughout the year.
“Gender-based violence is an issue that demands our collective action—not just during these 16 days, but every day of the year, every year,” he stated.
The Prime Minister brought attention to the broader implications of GBV, asserting that preventing violence against women and girls is a matter of national significance. He described how such violence undermines family stability, weakens community bonds, and obstructs national progress.
“Violence robs families of their stability, communities of their strength, and the nation of its potential. Prevention must be accompanied by justice, ensuring safety for women and girls everywhere, turning justice from a promise into a reality,” he added.
Rakesh Chand, the Deputy Director of Community-Oriented Policing, also emphasized the need for heightened vigilance among parents as the festive season approaches. Chand noted that domestic violence incidents tend to increase during the holidays and urged families to create safer environments.
This year’s campaign is themed “From Prevention to Justice, Ending Violence, Impunity Against Women and Girls in All Spaces.” The objective is to bolster efforts to prevent GBV and ensure accountability for offenders while creating safe spaces for women and girls.
Rabuka’s address stands as a powerful appeal for collaboration among citizens, institutions, and communities in the fight against GBV.
“Ending gender-based violence is everyone’s responsibility,” he concluded. “Together, we can create a society where women and girls can live without fear, and justice is not just a promise but a reality.”
The 16 Days of Activism campaign kicks off tomorrow, encouraging Fijians to participate in activities and discussions that aim to drive meaningful change in addressing GBV.
This campaign signifies hope for a more equitable future in Fiji, prompting dialogues and actions that can lead to lasting transformation by fostering awareness and promoting justice for all individuals affected by violence.
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