The global initiative known as the ’16 Days of Activism’ aims to combat violence against women and children. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya emphasizes the campaign as a vital opportunity to raise public awareness on this critical issue.
Statistics indicate that approximately 90 percent of violence perpetrators are family members, which highlights the urgent need for community engagement. Minister Tabuya stresses that education plays a key role in breaking this troubling cycle of abuse. She encourages community leaders, educational institutions, and families to start discussions surrounding violence to foster awareness and prevention.
Fiji confronts notably high rates of gender-based violence within the Pacific region, with surveys revealing that over 60 percent of women will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. The Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection is partnering with various organizations to facilitate workshops, community dialogues, and advocacy initiatives aimed at empowering victims and addressing the behavior of perpetrators.
This year’s campaign theme, “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Children,” serves as a powerful rallying call to eliminate violence across all societal levels.
As communities come together during this campaign, there’s a hopeful outlook that through education and open conversation, real progress can be made in addressing and ultimately reducing incidents of violence against women and children, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for all.
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