Naigani Island Tops Contenders for 2026 Community Billboard Award Aimed at Zero Tolerance to Gender-Based Violence
Naigani Island has emerged as a leading contender for the 2026 Community Billboard Award for Zero Tolerance to Gender-Based Violence, highlighting the community’s ongoing commitment to ending violence against women and children. The initiative is part of a broader project by Medical Services Pacific (MSP), funded by the United Nations Trust Fund (UNTF), which honours communities showing meaningful progress in shifting attitudes and behaviors through education, leadership, and engagement.
MSP’s UNTF team leader, Isireli Nuku, noted that the 10 participating villages have demonstrated genuine dedication in using the project toolkits during activities and presentations. The participating villages are Vunimono, Naikawaga, Naloto, Matacaucau, Sawakasa II, Qelekuro, Naigani Island, Dakuivuna, Manu, and Nabulini. Of these, three villages will be chosen to feature on the final billboard.
Naigani youth leader Renivani Rokoliku said the project has already begun transforming the island’s approach to violence prevention. “There has been a significant improvement in reducing domestic violence against women,” she said, adding, “From what I see, there is no more violence.” The first assessment in Naigani took place on August 13 and 14, with 38 participants from across the community, including women, youth, men, faith-based groups, and community gatekeepers.
The project, titled Sensitising the Stakeholders and Communities Involved in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls in Fiji, is reshaping how young people view their roles. As youth representatives, the community members have learned the importance of valuing and respecting women and children. Naigani must still pass two more assessments before qualifying for the 2026 award. “When we look at the billboard, we see the rules to follow and emergency contact numbers — it’s a powerful reminder,” Rokoliku said. She also noted that the community received legal information and practical strategies for dealing with violence and thanked MSP and the UNTF for including Naigani.
The visuals accompanying the article include photographs from the Naigani workshop, with villagers participating in gender-based violence training. These images underscore the tangible steps being taken to translate awareness into action.
Context and broader impact
This initiative sits within Fiji’s broader efforts to prevent violence against women and girls, including the National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against All Women and Girls (2023-2028) and ongoing campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism. Government and partner organizations have emphasized that preventing violence is a shared responsibility requiring education, community engagement, and sustained advocacy. The movement is framed as building safer communities where women and children can thrive.
Logical takeaway and forward look
The Naigani project exemplifies how community-led education and visible reminders—such as billboards with safety rules and emergency contact information—can complement national policies and campaigns. As Fiji continues its multi-stakeholder approach to reducing gender-based violence, successes at the village level offer hopeful evidence that culture change can accompany policy—especially when youth are actively engaged and given tools to lead.
Summary
Naigani Island’s inclusion among the top contenders for the 2026 Billboard Award reflects meaningful local progress in reducing gender-based violence through education, leadership, and community engagement. With two more assessments to go, the island is positioned to showcase a model of empowerment that aligns with Fiji’s broader national actions and activism campaigns, offering a hopeful outlook for safer communities across the country.
Additional note for readers
The billboard project provides practical resources, including behavior guidelines and emergency contacts, reinforcing the message that prevention is ongoing and community-driven. This approach, paired with national efforts like the 16 Days of Activism, suggests a sustained investment in changing attitudes and safeguarding women and children.
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