Sixty women from Beqa’s Sawau district are currently engaged in a two-week intensive training program organized by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Girls campaign.
This training emphasizes crucial themes such as gender, human rights, legal literacy, and the growing issue of technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. FWCC coordinator Shamima Ali highlighted that the initiative is integral to the organization’s broader strategy of nurturing community advocates who can play pivotal roles in eradicating violence against women and girls from society.
Ali praised the Rewa provincial office for its progressive stance, recognizing gender equality as an essential component of development. The FWCC has been dedicated to raising awareness through various programs since 2023, engaging both men and women in the dialogue around gender-based violence. Notably, in 2025, over 100 men completed the Male Advocacy for Women’s Human Rights program, which encourages men to reassess their attitudes and behaviors towards women and girls.
Additionally, the FWCC has implemented village committees throughout Rewa to support survivors of domestic violence and promote community awareness. The ongoing 16 Days of Activism campaign runs from November 25 to December 10, accentuating that violence against women constitutes a significant human rights violation.
Australia and New Zealand continue to back the FWCC’s efforts to promote women’s rights and combat violence in Fiji and the wider Pacific region. The current training and campaigns signify hopeful advancements towards fostering safer, more equitable communities where gender-based violence becomes a relic of the past. As these initiatives unfold, they not only empower participants but also inspire collective action toward societal transformation in the Pacific.
Leave a comment