Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has made a poignant call to the men of Fiji, urging them to “man up” in light of a worrying surge in domestic violence incidents that recently left three individuals dead. In a heartfelt message, he emphasized the importance of men assuming their responsibilities as protectors and caregivers within their families, stating, “Real men do not hit women.”
This plea came following a tragic weekend during which Sainimere Tuinasakea was allegedly stabbed by her husband, Paula Kafoa, who is thought to have taken his own life afterward. Additionally, another domestic incident in Nadi involved a woman sustaining serious injuries from an alleged attack by her partner.
Rabuka’s remarks align with ongoing public discourse around the critical need for a societal shift regarding domestic violence. In prior statements, he has highlighted the pervasive nature of gender-based violence in Fiji, recognizing that this critical issue requires collective action from all community members. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre reports alarming statistics, indicating that nearly two-thirds of women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes.
Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has expressed her own urgent call to action, stressing that awareness and preventive measures are essential. The Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, launched in June 2023, illustrates governmental commitment to combating this crisis through community involvement, outreach, and educational initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of respect and safety.
Amid these distressing events, there is hope as the community rallies together, recognizing the need for transformative change to create safer environments for all individuals. By fostering a dialogue around respect and compassion, Fiji can aspire to a future where everyone can live free from the threat of violence.
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