In efforts, towards addressing the pandemic of violence against women and girls in our country, the government alongside key civil society partners are at the forefront of the development of the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls in Fiji (Fiji NAP). Prevention is key.
It requires a bold and ambitious response at the national level such as the Fiji NAP which is currently being developed and is led by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation (MWCPA).
The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation led National Action Plan held a validation workshop for the Fiji NAP with judges and magistrates in Suva.
“To end the suffering of so many women and the fear that they must live with every day, our responsibilities as key stakeholders is heightened and the onus does lie with all of us to work together. Ladies and gentlemen, the plight of victims of domestic violence obviously does not end at the violence being inflicted physically on the victims in that moment – so how do we, in the roles that we play make it easier for these victims? How do we make it easier for women to leave abusive relationships without waiting for months without financial support? How do we ensure that children witnessing violence in their homes do not remain in the cycle of violence, how do we break the cycle? How do we help our fellow stakeholders, implementers of the law to bring cases to courts so that justice can be served?”
This was emphasised by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar during her speech at the Justice Sector validation workshop for the Fiji NAP. She further added that, that is the attitude we need to adopt, the questions we need to ask ourselves in dealing with these cases everyday across our nation.
“Your input is indeed invaluable to process and be included in the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against All Women and Girls – With a focus to prevent violence before it start,” said Minister Akbar.
“Please allow me to echo what the Prime Minister said during the Launching of the NAP Consultations in November 2020, “One woman who experiences violence is one too many. One child who experiences or witnesses violence is one too many. One person who thinks it is okay to assault a woman is one too many. One witness who turns a blind eye to such violence is one too many. One woman turned away when she asks for help is one too many. And one man who assaults a woman or a child and is not held accountable and punished according to law for his crimes is one too many,” said Minister Akbar.
The validation workshop is aimed at validating and endorsing the Justice essential strategies of the forthcoming Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (essential actions, M&E framework, Fiji NAP governance structure) with a focus on the role and responsibilities of the Ministry of Justice.
Furthermore, it was an opportunity to better understand the linkages and mutual reinforcing of the Justice sector’s policies and protocols related to Violence against women and girls (VAWG). And articulate clear, action-oriented essential actions for the Justice sector in the Fiji NAP. Validation workshops for the Justice and Health sectors have been successfully carried out so far.
The Ministry would like to thank the Chief Justice Mr Kamal Kumar and the various participants, judges and magistrates from the Justice Sector for their valuable input and participation. This is the second validation workshop with the justice sector, the first workshop was held in the western division a week before.
Minister Akbar highlighted that the role of the judiciary is definitely amongst the most important ones in combating violence against women and girls. “Punishment and detaining is not only about serving justice, but also provides a platform for reform and rehabilitation. If not that, at least it can save lives.”
Violence against women and girls is one of the world’s gravest human rights violations. Globally, 1 in 3 women will experience physical and/or sexual violence from a partner in their lifetime. In Fiji, the rates are twice as high. Two in 3 women in Fiji have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a male intimate partner in their lifetime – some of the highest statistics in the world. Fiji has widespread violence against women and girls in both public and private spaces.
“Together we can put measures in place to stop violence before it starts, such as building safe spaces in schools and workplaces, promoting positive family relationships, encouraging women and girls’ empowerment, and teaching boys that strength comes from respect and integrity, not from violence. It will take a holistic, comprehensive, and long-term approach”, she added.
Together we can create a society that benefits everyone, where women and men, girls and boys, grow up with equal rights, respect and opportunities; where violence against women and girls is less likely to occur; where men can be themselves and express their feelings; where all children can live up to their full potential. Prevention is Possible!
For more information on the Fiji NAP please visit
www.fijipreventvawg.com
If you or a loved one you know is experiencing violence, please call the National Domestic Helpline 1560 or the National Child Helpline 1325 from any network. Help is available.