The Minister for Women and Children, Sashi Kiran, delivered an urgent message in Parliament regarding the critical issue of domestic violence in Fiji, calling it a “painful reality” that must be confronted. Following the recent tragic deaths of two women linked to domestic violence, she emphasized that the state is actively working to protect women and children, yet societal attitudes need to change to effectively combat this violence.
Minister Kiran highlighted the government’s investment in legislation and resources aimed at supporting victims, including around-the-clock helplines and coordinated responses among police, judiciary, and social services. Despite these efforts, she expressed concern that help is often only available after violence has occurred, stating, “these services are provided at the end of the cliff”—after lives have been scarred by violence.
In her address, Kiran encouraged Fijians to challenge and transform patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate domestic violence. She cited initiatives such as the ‘Thursdays in Black Campaign’ which aims to raise awareness about violence against women and children. “Let’s do more than wear black every Thursday; let’s focus on changing attitudes and practices that enable family violence,” she urged, calling for a collective commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of violence.
The Minister appealed to community leaders, faith-based organizations, and families to engage in open conversations about domestic violence and to take actionable steps to eradicate it from society. She reiterated that help is readily available for those in abusive situations through government-funded helplines operated by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and Medical Services Pacific.
The ongoing discussions surrounding domestic violence reflect a growing consensus that significant change is urgently needed. The alarming statistics—nearly two-thirds of women in Fiji experience violence from intimate partners—underscore the necessity for concerted efforts to foster a culture of respect, safety, and support.
This proactive stance offers hope for a future where every home can become a sanctuary, free from violence, and where all individuals—particularly the most vulnerable—are valued and protected. The commitment from both government and community members to tackle these issues head-on is a positive step towards creating a more compassionate society.
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