The Laselevu village in Nagonenicolo district, Naitasiri province will witness new developments take shape to steer positive changes in the lives of women and children in this rural community.
This after the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni visited Laselevu village yesterday to officially launch the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign.
The village leaders were presented with a certificate of commitment by Dr Luveni, which marked the beginning of 8 to 10 months of awareness programs that will be undertaken by the Ministry and the Fiji Police Force in partnership with relevant stakeholders, such as Empower Pacific.
Laselevu Women’s Group has also secured financial assistance from Government amounting to $6000 for building a women’s centre and canteen to start new income generating projects.
In her opening address, Dr Luveni said that positive parenting and family bonding are key components of the awareness programs facilitated through the violence free campaign.
“A gatekeeping committee is formed, it comprises of male leaders, women and youth leaders who team up with the police and the ministry to provide an enabling environment for the communities and take appropriate measures to protect its women and children from all forms of violence and abuse. Apart from the awareness programs, the women groups are also assisted with income generating programs to increase the economic visibility of women.
“Women free from violence are confident and resourceful. When we empower women we are empowering their families and communities at large. To date, there are 70 communities who have joined this campaign and have noted significant decrease in the maltreatment of women and decrease in crime as well,” Dr Luveni emphasized.
Speaking on behalf of 40 women, Laselevu Women’s Group president, Taravina Tabua said that this campaign had opened up new opportunities for women to improve their livelihood.
“The Laselevu women struggle daily to support their families. Most of them are market vendors and they travel all the way to Suva to sell ota, dalo, tavioka and fish. Whilst they try to meet the needs of their families, they face many challenges and domestic violence is one of them. However, due to lack of information these women have rarely talked about it but through this campaign, the Laselevu women no longer have to suffer in silence,” Mrs Tabua said.
“We were enlightened to participate in the Gender Based Violence workshop few weeks ago. It was the first time for us to learn about the Domestic Violence Restraining Order and Child Welfare Decree. Given this information, the villagers are now well informed to take action against domestic violence, issues that were once never spoken about is now openly addressed even at village meetings, chaired by men.
“The women are overwhelmed to meet with the Minister for Women, Dr Luveni and it is through her visit here today we will see the much awaited projects like canteen and women centre come to reality,” Mrs Tabua added.
Similarly, Mr Waisea Ibeco, the village headman for Laselevu said that empowering women and children is a great investment for a progressive future.
“We are grateful to the Bainimarama Government for reaching out to us, especially, when we are located out here in a remote place and we find it difficult to get information. However, through Dr Luveni’s visit today we have learnt about the role of the ministry and also the vision of the Government as we head towards the September elections. We are determined to capitalize on the new collaboration made with the Government to build a vibrant and prosperous society,” Mr Ibeco said.
“The certificate presentation represents the long-term commitment by every member of this village to the vision of building a violence free community. I am glad to lead the gatekeepers committee, which is dedicated to protecting the women and children in Laselevu village.”
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