The Ministry of Women in partnership with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) has embarked on male advocacy awareness workshops in its efforts to reduce domestic violence in Fiji.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar says that this combined effort is crucial to address the root causes of domestic violence in homes and communities.
“In the National Survey on Violence in Fiji, 64 percent of women in Fiji have experienced physical and or sexual violence by a male partners or husbands. To collaboratively address this issue, the Ministry has partnered with the Fiji Police Force and Non-Government Organisations like FWCC.
“We capitalise on male advocacy workshops to raise awareness on the importance of men’s role in reducing violence. Positive responses have been received on the recently organised male advocacy workshop in Nadave. We acknowledge the support of FWCC and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for funding such a vital workshop,” Minister Akbar said.
The “Male Advocacy,” workshop was held at Nadave Training Centre in Nausori from 8th to 12th June last week. During the workshop, 23 male participants from 15 communities in central and eastern division declared their commitment to eliminate violence against women. Representatives from the Ministry of Women, Fiji Police and iTaukei Affairs were also present at the workshop.
Minister Akbar highlighted the key objectives and outcome of the Male Advocacy Awareness workshops.
“Male advocates have the opportunity to acquire information and skills to understand the root causes of violence and examine their male attitudes, values, beliefs on violence. It challenges them to change their mindsets and devise work plans to implement in their own communities.
“These male advocates are the gatekeepers from the communities which have been declared violence free through Ministry’s Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign. After the workshop, the advocates go back to their communities with skills and knowledge to encourage other males to change their attitude and behaviour towards women and children. They are recognised as the violence free champions in their communities,” Minister Akbar explained.
The next Male Advocacy awareness workshop has been organised in the northern division from the 22nd to 26th June 2015. The effort by the Ministry and Police has to date seen 38 communities being declared as violence free by completing the 10 phases of awareness programs.
21 communities are still undergoing awareness programs on eliminating violence against women and children.