Fiji records one of the highest rates of violence against women and girls globally. This alarming statistic was highlighted by the Ministry of Women during the dialogue for the Fiji National Action Plan (NAP) to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls 2023-2028, held at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi yesterday. According to the ministry, nearly two-thirds of women in Fiji have faced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
“This is unacceptable and necessitates a robust and ambitious response at the national level,” the ministry emphasized. The Fiji NAP aims to tackle the underlying causes of violence and foster long-term, meaningful change throughout society.
By engaging leaders from traditional sectors and institutions, the high-level dialogue seeks to leverage the influence of these key community figures to significantly advance efforts in preventing violence against women and girls, ultimately striving for a safer and more equitable future for all Fijian women and girls.
“The dialogue will prioritize establishing a common understanding of the Fiji NAP, its main strategies and actions, and the effective ways to implement them, with special emphasis on the crucial role of traditional leaders and institutions in this initiative.
Additionally, the event will examine the reasons behind the prevalence of violence against women and girls in Fiji, aiding traditional leaders in understanding its root causes and contributing factors.
Launched in June of last year, the National Action Plan is a pioneering initiative—the first of its kind in the Oceania region and the second globally, following Australia. It presents a comprehensive, inclusive, and evidence-based strategy to combat violence against all women and girls in Fiji.