Crimes against women in Fiji have shown troubling advancements, detrimentally impacting both their mental and physical health. Shamima Ali, the coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), highlighted alarming statistics indicating that Fiji has one of the highest rates of domestic violence globally, with 64 percent of women experiencing such abuse—double the world’s average.
This distressing reality is compounded by issues surrounding technology, climate change, and drug abuse that affect women in diverse facets of life. Furthermore, Ali raised concerns about the rising cases of unreported rapes and the troubling trend of young individuals becoming both victims and perpetrators of violence.
To combat these issues effectively, Ali advocates for the streamlining of processes and increased sensitivity among relevant organizations. The FWCC is exploring collaborations with the Fiji Police Force to enhance capacity building and knowledge sharing, seeking to create a safer environment for women.
The discussion surrounding domestic violence also ties into broader trends in Fiji, where other experts like Mereseini Rakuita from Pacific Communities have noted that societal norms often render violence against women normalized. The ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women, which commenced recently, serves as an important platform for raising awareness and driving community engagement to foster change.
As society begins to acknowledge and address these pervasive issues more openly, there is hope that concerted community efforts can lead to meaningful improvements. Together, through awareness and action, Fiji can work towards a future where women are empowered and safe from violence, resulting in healthier communities overall.
Leave a comment