Uniting for Change: Tackling Domestic Violence in the Pacific

The persistent issue of domestic violence in the Pacific region has led women’s organizations to urge a collaborative approach among governments, civil society, and traditional communities to combat this pressing concern. Shamima Ali, coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), emphasized the need for a collective shift in mindset, asserting that without unified efforts, societal attitudes towards domestic violence will not change.

As a part of this initiative, a month-long training program commenced in Suva, designed to enhance the skills of 46 representatives from 11 Pacific island nations. This training focuses on analyzing and strategizing solutions to reduce gender-based violence in local communities. Ali pointed out that the region has one of the highest rates of violence against women globally, with reports indicating it is double the world average.

The FWCC’s commitment to addressing these issues is illustrated by the program’s history, which began with only a handful of participants from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Fiji. Now, the growing number of individuals training to eliminate violence against women signifies a positive trend towards change. Ali noted that patriarchal systems remain a significant barrier to achieving gender equality and that dismantling these structures will require extensive efforts from all levels of society.

This ongoing training aligns with similar efforts highlighted by Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya, who recently acknowledged the advancements made in protecting women and children from gender-based violence. Notably, Fiji’s National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (2021-2026) represents a proactive step towards this goal.

The collaborative nature of the current training program not only aims to combat immediate challenges but also builds a foundation for long-term societal transformation, fostering safer and more equitable communities across the Pacific. With ongoing commitment and participation from all sectors, there is hope for a future in which violence is no longer normalized, thereby empowering women and creating harmonious environments for all.