The Ministry for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation has reaffirmed their partnership with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC).
The strengthened commitment to work together has been confirmed through a meeting held today between the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Sofia Akbar and the chief executive officer of the FWCC, Mrs Shamima Ali.
The meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in Suva, explored new areas of collaboration between the Ministry and FWCC.
Mrs Akbar said there is a need for a collaborative approach between the Ministry and Non-Government Organisations to create robust effort in eliminating violence.
“It is important for us to work in partnership with organisations like Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, given that we share the same vision, focused on empowering and improving the lives of women and children in Fiji. Today’s meeting marks the beginning of a new partnership and commitment to work together with Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, in areas of male advocacy, women’s rights and addressing gender based violence,” Mrs Akbar said.
“The Ministry will revive, the Taskforce on Eliminating Violence against Women and Children, thereby there will be regular meetings with FWCC and other women NGO’s.
“I intend to meet with the leaders of all the women’s NGOs individually and collectively to find common ground that will see us forge ahead together for the sake of gender mainstreaming at the national and the local level,” she added.
Mrs Akbar highlighted that women’s NGOs have a role in society and so does the National Women’s Machinery.
“I wish to see our work complement each other as best as it can in getting down to the roots of the problems like domestic violence,” Mrs Akbar said.
“The Ministry will not tolerate any injustice or any form of violence against women and children, in this regard we are also meeting with the Commissioner of Police to look at the common areas of cooperation,” she added.
Mrs Ali said that FWCC looks forward for the new partnership and will avail assistance in areas of male advocacy and training.
“This year, FWCC will become 30 years old, we basically have the core business of advocacy, counselling, community awareness, research and publication. The organisation is built on the principles of Universal Declaration on Human Rights.We have strong advocacy group on human rights,” Mrs Ali said.
“We are happy and look forward to work together with the Ministry especially in areas of male advocacy program that is recognized worldwide. FWCC is grateful for this opportunity to work together with the Ministry in creating a bigger impact and increasing reach out to the women of Fiji,” she added.