Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has praised the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) for its commitment to combat violence against women and girls within traditional iTaukei settings. This initiative is seen as a pivotal step towards fostering safer communities throughout Fiji.
Tabuya commended GCC and its chair, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, for prioritizing the issue of violence against women and girls. She noted the GCC’s discussions on violence, substance abuse, and school dropout rates, specifically focusing on their impact within the iTaukei community. The urgency for immediate, collective action is underscored by troubling statistics indicating that two out of three women in Fiji have faced violence in their lifetimes.
With the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls (Fiji NAP) complementing the GCC’s efforts, the ministry aims to address and prevent various forms of violence against women and girls effectively. Tabuya expressed gratitude to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the iTaukei Affairs Board for their collaborative support.
She emphasized the importance of working alongside traditional leaders and community stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of the Fiji NAP, particularly in the most vulnerable areas ranging from urban centers to rural villages and maritime regions. Tabuya visions a future where communities across Fiji are characterized by safety and mutual respect.
By fostering collaboration and promoting healthy relationships, there is hope for significant progress in preventing violence and ensuring a harmonious society for everyone.
In summary, Minister Tabuya’s support for the GCC’s initiative highlights a collaborative approach to addressing pressing social issues, encouraging community engagement and proactive measures to tackle violence against women and girls in Fiji.
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