Voices Against Silence: The Unseen Crisis of Gender-Based Violence in Fiji

Shamima Ali, the coordinator of the Fiji Women Crisis Centre, has highlighted the troubling issue of gender-based violence and the consistent impunity enjoyed by many perpetrators, particularly those in influential positions. She emphasized that within Fiji’s political framework, there are frequent instances where men in power evade accountability for their actions.

Victims of sexual assault often face victim-blaming, where their attire or behavior is questioned, further compounding their trauma. This societal trend results in a disturbing lack of support for victims, while communities tend to protect the aggressors. According to Ms. Ali, many cases of gender-based violence go unreported, which complicates the understanding of the issue’s prevalence. Although there hasn’t been extensive research to determine whether incidents of gender-based violence have decreased over the years, early data indicates that progress is lacking.

Ms. Ali stressed the crucial need for collective action to address these ongoing challenges surrounding gender-based violence. The 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women campaign, which began yesterday and will conclude on December 10, aims to raise awareness and promote change regarding this vital issue.

While the statistics may seem grim, the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism represents a hopeful opportunity for advocacy, community support, and the push for stronger accountability measures against gender-based violence offenders. This campaign can serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging society to better support victims and address the root causes of this pervasive issue.

Summary: Shamima Ali from the Fiji Women Crisis Centre has called attention to the persistent issue of gender-based violence and the lack of accountability for perpetrators, especially those in power. Victims often face societal blame, leading to underreporting. The 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women provides an opportunity for communities to unite and advocate for change.