The global initiative “16 Days of Activism” aims to raise awareness and combat violence against women and children, according to Lynda Tabuya, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection. This campaign provides a critical opportunity for public education, as Tabuya highlights alarming statistics indicating that approximately 90 percent of violence perpetrators are family members.
Tabuya emphasizes the pivotal role of education in breaking the harmful cycle of abuse, urging community leaders, schools, and families to engage in discussions about these pressing issues. Fiji faces one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the Pacific; research indicates that over 60 percent of women will experience some form of violence in their lifetime.
The Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection is working alongside various stakeholders during this campaign to facilitate workshops, community talks, and advocacy programs aimed at empowering victims and educating those responsible for the violence. This year’s campaign theme, “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Children,” calls for coordinated efforts to dismantle violence across all societal levels.
This proactive approach fosters hope and highlights the power of community engagement in creating a safer environment for women and children. By combining education with active support, there is potential for meaningful change in addressing and ultimately reducing violence in society.
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