The Nasaibitu village in Nayavu, Tailevu has become the latest beneficiary of government’s programs dedicated to the empowerment of women and children.
This week the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni officially launched the zero tolerance violence free community campaign in the village. She also presented a certificate of commitment to the newly formed gatekeepers committee in Nasaibitu to ensure that the objectives of the campaign are met.
This development will provide the opportunity for Nasaibitu villagers to access awareness programs on Gender Based Violence, Domestic Violence Decree, No Drop Policy, Child Welfare Decree, positive parenting, Women’s Reproductive Health, Anger and Stress Management, role of women’s group, legal literacy and financial literacy. The programs will be facilitated by the Ministry in collaboration with Fiji Police, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Empower Pacific and Westpac Banking Corporation.
To date, a total of 90 communities have joined this campaign, with 37 communities declared violence free, 29 have completed the commitment phase, with 24 new ones that have just joined the campaign.
Dr Luveni said that as part of this campaign, the Ministry will also assist Nasaibitu Women’s Group with their income generating project.
“I am pleased to see the support given by the male leaders towards the violence free community campaign. It will also provide equal opportunities for women to make decisions for the betterment of their families. The villagers have to complete the 10 phases of the campaign in order to qualify for the declaration phase,” Dr Luveni said.
Nasaibitu Women’s Group president Mrs Talica Tinai commended the Bainimarama government for reaching out to them.
“We are delighted that for the first time a senior government official has visited us and that we are given the opportunity to seek assistance to uplift our lives. The poultry project will benefit 40 women in this village who struggle daily to meet their needs, we sell root crops and vegetables in Suva market to earn income. The poultry project will boost our income generating, there are schools nearby so we can sell eggs and also organise catering to earn more income.
“We had requested to join the violence free campaign, we feel that there are women who are victims of domestic violence and yet they are hesitant to report the cases because of the fear and stigma associated with it. Through the campaign our women’s group is determined to take proactive measures to stop violence and injustice women have to suffer in their homes. Today’s launching marks a new beginning in our lives, it is a positive step forward in creating a society that respects and treats women equally,” Mrs Tinai said.
Mr Suweli Drotini, the village headman for Nasaibitu said that the partnership with government has opened doors for them to further seek government’s assistance for the much needed infrastructural development in Nasaibitu.
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