Government’s commitment to the implementation of the National Gender Policy will see more men in the public service being empowered to become champions of gender equality.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar said the new program will robustly target male public servants to make a personal commitment in their lives and in their working environment to eliminate violence against women and children.
“The National Gender Policy is the leading instrument of Government to address gender inequality, promote women into leadership and decision making roles. It improves responses to eliminate or prevent violence against women as well as strengthening referral and services for survivors of violence,” Minister Akbar said.
“Involvement of men in women’s issues and to be champions needs a targeted program to differentiate male champions who are living testimonies of gender sensitization. Empowering men to be agents of change towards women and girls involves changing their mind-set.
“The Ministry will use the principles of male advocacy, values and training to establish a Public Service ‘Male Champions of Change’ network.”
The Ministry has also acknowledged the tremendous support provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
“Through the Australian Government’s Pacific Women Shaping the Pacific program, a Gender Advisor has been contracted to work with our Ministry to support the implementation of the National Gender Policy. It is significant to note that the government, the private sector, non-government organisations and the faith-based organizations will need to work in synergy to make a difference to gender inequality in Fiji.
“I am also pleased to inform, that the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Regional Rights Resource Team will also provide a Country Focal Point Officer and technical support for the implementation of the National Gender Policy. This would assist with the provision of Gender Sensitization and Gender Mainstreaming Training within the Fiji Public Service,” Minister Akbar said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry also leads the Interagency Taskforce on EVAW (Elimination of Violence against Women). The Taskforce comprises of representatives from the Fiji Police Force, non-government organisations, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations and United Nation agencies.
“The task force is also working on the development of a service delivery standards for a coordinated multi-sectoral response to violence against women and children. It ensures that on effective responses by police and other service providers when working with the Domestic Violence Decree and other legislation that addresses crimes of violence and sexual violence against women and children,” Minister Akbar said.