The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is dedicated to ensuring that the Natabua Safe Shelter for Women in Lautoka becomes operational next year. This facility, established in partnership with Soroptimist International, was commissioned in 2021 but has not yet opened its doors.
Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya, emphasized the significance of the shelter in providing a secure and nurturing environment for women and children who are victims of abuse. She revealed that the ministry has undergone two tender processes to manage and operate the shelter. The first attempt, launched in 2021, selected Medical Services Pacific as the successful bidder; however, the contract could not be awarded due to a conflict of interest.
In 2023, a second tender process was initiated with Empower Pacific as the only bidder, but this also faced delays because of departmental issues, preventing the timelines from being met. Ms. Tabuya stated that these issues are actively being resolved, with plans for a re-advertisement process to be completed by the end of January 2025.
Although a specific budget for the shelter’s operation has not been allocated for the 2024-2025 financial year, the ministry intends to draw funds from its Women Plan of Action allocation for the re-advertisement process.
Recognizing the contributions of Soroptimist International to this initiative, Ms. Tabuya reassured that the government remains committed to administering the shelter, reflecting the ongoing priority placed on supporting vulnerable women and children in the community.
This ongoing commitment by the government demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing violence and abuse against women and children, ensuring that support services are established and accessible. With continued efforts, the Natabua Safe Shelter is set to become a vital resource for those in need in Lautoka.
In summary, the Natabua Safe Shelter is a project that, despite past delays, shows promise for the future as the government prioritizes the establishment of essential support services for women and children facing violence.
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