The Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection is committed to ensuring the Natabua Safe Shelter for Women in Lautoka becomes operational next year. This shelter, which was established with the support of Soroptimist International, was commissioned in 2021 but has yet to officially open its doors.
Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya emphasized the importance of the facility in providing a safe and supportive space for women at risk and those who have suffered from violence. To date, the ministry has undertaken two tender processes to find a suitable management and operation partner for the shelter.
The first tender, issued back in 2021, resulted in Medical Services Pacific being selected as the preferred bidder. However, complications arose due to a conflict of interest, preventing the contract from being finalized. A second tender process was launched in 2023, with Empower Pacific as the only bidder, but this faced delays, which have prompted the ministry to plan for a re-advertisement by the end of January 2025.
Although no specific budget has been set aside for the shelter’s operation in the upcoming financial year of 2024-2025, the ministry intends to leverage funds from its Women Plan of Action allocation for the re-advertisement process. Minister Tabuya expressed gratitude to Soroptimist International for their contributions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the shelter and its administration.
This initiative reflects the government’s ongoing priority to address issues of violence against women and provide essential services for those in need. With renewed focus and resources, there is hope that the shelter will soon serve its vital purpose, offering much-needed support and safety for women and children in vulnerable situations.
By showcasing this commitment, the government demonstrates its dedication to creating safer communities and empowering those affected by violence.
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