he Interagency Taskforce on Elimination of Violence against Women and Children (EVAW) will meet next week to intensify and consolidate efforts in addressing issues of domestic violence and abuse.
The meeting will be chaired by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar on Tuesday 8th September 2015. The taskforce comprises of representatives from government, justice and Non-Government Organisation (NGOs) as well as the Faith Based Organisations (FBOs).
The meeting is spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and consists of representatives from Fiji Police Force, Ministry of Health, the Fiji Police Sexual Offences Unit, UNFPA, Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Australian Aid Program, Empower Pacific and the Pacific Centre for Peace-Building.
Minister Akbar says that the meeting will be crucial in terms of strengthening collaboration with NGO’s and key service providers to work together in safeguarding the rights and interests of women.
“The meeting will allow the sharing of important information and data that will enhance the strategies to eliminate violence against women and children.
“The taskforce is working collaboratively to have the best practice responses by police and other service providers when working with Domestic Violence Decree, Child Welfare Decree and other legislation that addresses crimes of violence and sexual violence against women and children. There is political will and a sense of urgency to protect the rights of women and children in Fiji.
“This Task Force has recently coordinated the contracting of an expert to conduct a review of the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Communities project to better refine the program and quantify its successes. The consultant will assess the relevance of the project design and operations in terms of human rights, gender equality and child protection,” Minister Akbar reiterated.
The Interagency taskforce on EVAW is also working on the development of a service delivery standards for a coordinated multi-sectoral response to end violence against women and children.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has strengthened partnership with the Fiji Police Force to prepare 21 new communities for the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign.
As of 2008, a total of 39 communities have been declared violence free communities, 27 communities have completed the commitment phase. These communities have male leaders who lead the gatekeepers committee and they play an important role in championing women’s rights and empowerment.