The recent ministerial visit to Tauvegavega settlement in Ba has unfolded two new incentives for development in this multicultural community.
The Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni visited Tauvegavega last week on Friday to officially launch the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign and address the challenges faced by the women.
Dr Luveni reiterated that the Campaign aims to strengthen community networking to eliminate violence against women and children.
“We thank the Tauvegavega residents for their commitment to join hands with the Ministry in creating a violence free environment for their women and children. Currently we have more than 60 communities that have joined this campaign.
“At the United Nations 57th Commission on the Status of Women held in New York in March this year, Fiji has also been acknowledged for its presentation on the priority theme “Elimination and Prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.” The formation of gatekeeping committees that comprises of male leaders has been regarded as a unique approach in addressing violence,” Dr Luveni said.
She said the presentation of ‘certificates of commitment’ to the community is the first phase of the 10 phase program that incorporates 6 to 8 months of training and awareness to prepare this community for the declaration phase.
Mrs Mayotri Chand, the women’s representative in Tauvegavega said that the ministerial visit has provided a way forward for the women to improve their lives.
“There are over 2625 people here and most of the women do household chores while some of them work at the garment factories and we strive to support our families. Dr Luveni is the only women’s minister that has visited us at a level where we find it easy to communicate with a leader who is able to relate well to the challenges of the women.
“The violence free campaign is needed in Tauvegavega as there are women who are victimized by their husbands but they choose to keep silent as they don’t know where to go for help. Now there is going to be a revolution; women are determined to break the silence and work together with the Ministry and police to ensure our sisters, daughters and mothers are free from violence, ”Mrs Chand said.
Through their discussions with the Minister, the women have also secured a funding of $5000 from the Ministry to build the first women’s centre in Tauvegavega.
“Poverty is one of the key determinants of violence and through the women’s centre, the Tauvegavega women will be able to venture into income generating projects that will enable them to live confident and independent lives. The centre will be an incentive for them to work together to develop their skills and use the resources available in elevating their financial status,” Dr Luveni said.
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