Fiji is set to launch a national community attitude survey in January 2024, aimed at assessing societal views on women and children. This initiative was announced by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, during a recent parliamentary session.
The survey intends to identify harmful behaviors and attitudes within the community, with the objective of fostering positive changes. Tabuya emphasized that the survey will serve as a foundational tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fiji National Action Plan (NAP) and to inform campaigns targeting social norms and specific activities.
UNICEF will provide essential technical support for the successful execution of the survey. “It is vital that survivors of violence receive timely, safe, and coordinated care,” Tabuya remarked, stressing the importance of making support services accessible. She also noted that the Fiji NAP aims to prevent violence by encouraging individuals to disclose their experiences and promoting intervention strategies.
As part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism campaign, the ministry, in collaboration with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, has been conducting awareness sessions at police stations across the nation to reinforce the National Service Delivery Protocol for Gender-Based Violence cases.
This survey represents a significant step forward in addressing and changing community attitudes that contribute to gender-based violence. By actively seeking to understand and challenge these attitudes, Fiji is taking meaningful action towards creating a safer environment for women and children. The involvement of UNICEF and ongoing awareness campaigns demonstrate a commitment to support survivors and improve societal perceptions, paving the way for hopeful progress and systemic change.
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