The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) has made a notable commitment to combating violence against women and girls in traditional iTaukei contexts, a move hailed by Lynda Tabuya, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection. This initiative signifies a proactive approach towards building safer communities across Fiji.
Minister Tabuya praised the GCC, particularly its chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, for identifying violence against women and girls as a critical issue requiring immediate attention. She acknowledged the GCC’s discussions surrounding violence, substance abuse, and school dropout rates, underscoring the profound effects that violence against women and girls has in the iTaukei community.
In her remarks, she emphasized that a substantial portion of the population is affected by these issues, noting that two out of every three women in Fiji have encountered violence at some point in their lives. The Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls (Fiji NAP) is aligned with the GCC’s priorities and aims to address all forms of violence affecting women and girls.
Tabuya expressed gratitude to the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and the iTaukei Affairs Board for their collaborative efforts. She stated that engaging traditional leaders and community stakeholders is essential for the success of the Fiji NAP and for reaching vulnerable communities, from urban settings to rural areas and maritime regions.
Looking ahead, Ms. Tabuya envisions a future where all communities can thrive in safety, advocating that through collective action, violence can be mitigated, and respectful relationships can be nurtured throughout Fijian society.
This initiative not only highlights the importance of addressing violence but also signifies a positive step towards promoting gender equality and community safety, fostering hope for a brighter future for women and girls in Fiji.
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