A significant escalation in violence against women, both at home and in public areas, highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue during the Markets for Change (M4C) 16 Days of Activism event held at the Nausori market. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, expressed her deep concern in light of a recent domestic violence incident that resulted in a woman’s death over the weekend.
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the pressing need for collective action in combating gender-based violence. During her address to market vendors, Ms. Kiran emphasized that markets are often the first places where signs of abuse can be observed. She pointed out that violence against female vendors extends beyond their homes.
Women vendors frequently encounter harsh criticism from customers, intimidation from fellow stallholders, and a troubling rise in online harassment, which includes negative public posts from dissatisfied clients. Additionally, there has been an alarming increase in digital scams targeting women who rely on mobile platforms for payments and orders.
“Women’s safety is an economic issue,” Ms. Kiran remarked, stressing that this year’s theme underscores that threats against women are not confined to physical spaces. These threats have extended into the digital realm through messages, social media, and online harassment.
In her call to action, Ms. Kiran urged market managers, law enforcement, civil society, and vendor groups to collaborate in creating safer, more supportive environments for female vendors. By working together, communities can foster an atmosphere of safety and respect, ultimately aiming to diminish the violent challenges women face in everyday life. This collaborative approach signifies a hopeful step towards a future where women can thrive without fear of violence, both in physical and digital spaces.
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