The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is committed to ensuring that the Natabua Safe Shelter for Women in Lautoka becomes operational in the upcoming year. Although the shelter, which was gifted by Soroptimist International, was commissioned in 2021, it has yet to open its doors.
Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya emphasized the importance of the facility in providing a secure and nurturing environment for women at risk or those who have suffered from violence. The ministry has already undertaken two tender processes for the management and operation of the shelter. The first tender, initiated in 2021 and awarded to Medical Services Pacific, could not proceed due to a conflict of interest. A second tender process held in 2023 resulted in Empower Pacific as the only bidder; however, delays within the department prevented the process from concluding within the expected timelines.
To address these issues, Ms. Tabuya stated that a new re-advertisement process is set to be finalized by the end of January 2025. Although no specific budget has been allocated for the shelter’s operation for the 2024-2025 financial year, the ministry intends to use funds from its Women Plan of Action for the upcoming re-advertisement.
Ms. Tabuya also expressed gratitude to Soroptimist International for their valuable contribution to the project and reassured the public that the shelter’s administration is a government priority.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable women and children, and with a renewed focus on getting the shelter operational, there is hope for better protection and resources for those in need in the community.
In summary, the Natabua Safe Shelter represents a crucial step towards providing safety and support to women and children who have faced violence, and the government’s proactive measures indicate a strong determination to fulfill this essential service.
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