The village of Korovisilou in the province of Serua has become the latest beneficiary of the government’s program to create violence free communities in Fiji.
The community which has a population of more than 500 has joined hands with the Ministry of Women and the Fiji Police Forces to safeguard the rights of women and children to instill a culture of a violence free society.
Village elders were this week presented with a certificate of commitment by the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni. This marks the beginning of 10 months awareness programs and trainings that will be conducted in the village.
In her message to the community, the Minister Dr Luveni said that through increased awareness the communities will be in better position to make informed decisions.
“The campaign aims to inform the women and young girls if they are faced with any case of violence or abuse -what are the procedures for reporting these cases. They also become aware about their rights and laws that protect them,” Dr Luveni explained.
Korovisilou Village spokesman Mr Apimeleki Bosoka said the campaign would challenge the men to relook at their attitude and behavior towards their families.
“The villagers are happy that Korovisilou has been chosen for this campaign-often the women’s contributions go unnoticed and through this campaign, it will challenge the men and young boys to understand and appreciate the role of women and also to reflect on their own behavior. It’s also an opportunity for women to openly voice their concerns in village meetings and to equally participate in decision making concerning their families and village matters.
“We acknowledge the Minister for Women Dr Luveni for her great effort and courage to come right down to our village and openly discuss about the issues on gender equality and the need to eliminate discrimination against women. The very topics which affects our daily lives and yet we have not talked openly about it till the time we had our first consultation with the Ministry of Women and Fiji Police, early this year. The Minister’s speech has motivated the villagers to complete all the 10 phases of the campaign and achieve the vision of a prosperous community” Mr Bosoka explained.
Korovisilou Women’s Group president Mrs Anareta Ru said that a gatekeeping committee has been formed and will monitor the impacts of the campaign.
“The launching of this campaign has given a fresh start to Korovisilou women, there are some of them who are suffering in silence due to fear, however, the culture of silence will be broken. The campaign is here to shake those old traditional beliefs that kept women captivated into their homes, limiting their freedom to participate into economic activities.
“We have also been assisted by the women’s ministry to start a vegetable farm and earn income for our families. The campaign promotes the social and economic empowerment of women, this is a new movement, where the male leaders are seen championing women’s right and freedom in their communities”, Mrs Ru said.
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