In 2008, Government through the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation launched the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community campaign to drive national awareness and network collaboratively to eliminate violence against women and children in Fiji.
The campaign was piloted in Koroipita, Lautoka and Vatutavui, Tavua and upon evaluation in these two communities last year, there was evidence of changes in people’s mindset.
There is greater recognition given to women’s values in their families and communities.
Within three years the campaign led by the Minister for Women Dr Jiko Luveni witnessed a total of 15 communities joining last year along with 16 more communities confirmed to join this year.
Yesterday, about 100 people gathered at Nabila Village in Nadi to affirm their commitment for this campaign and performed a traditional Fijian ceremony to welcome Dr Luveni to officialy launch the zero tolerance campaign in the village.
Village turaga-ni-koro (headman) Osea Turuva said it was a proud moment for his people to join hands with Government for the zero tolerance violence free campaign.
“Over the years, Nabila has seen cases of domestic violence and we genuinely needed awareness on this issue,” Mr Turuva said.
“As part of our commitment for this campaign, a village committee will be developed to engage women leaders, youths, men, children along with church and police to ensure that no violence will be tolerated in Nabila and anyone found breaking the law will be handed over to the police.”
This campaign has provided an opportunity for Nabila to become a model for violence free community in Fiji.
“The campaign is an eye opener for us, eliminating violence is everyone’s business and we need to work together with relevant authorities like police,” the turaga ni koro said..
“Nabila is proud to join this campaign and we are determined to become an example of a community that is violence free,”
Nabila Soqosoqo Vakamarama vice president Melenaite Vuweti revealed the campaign encouraged women to speak out and let their views be known.
“We cannot deny that in recent years, there have been an increase in reports of violence against women in Nabila and we are thankful that with the launching of the zero tolerance campaign, women no longer have to suffer in silence as we are now aware of where to look for help if our husbands mistreat us,” Ms Vueti said.
“Crying alone will be a thing of past, because we will soon have a village committee to look after the rights of our women.”
Nabila Village pastor Petaia Nabau said his church would be influential in getting the message across to the people.
“During our weekly church meetings, the role of women has been bought under light and we thank the Government for getting the rural communities to participate in this campaign,” the pastor said.
“It also strengthens the role of religious bodies to advocate on ‘no violence’ and changes the mindset of men that violence is not the answer to their problems.”
Dr Jiko Luveni applauded the village leaders for their commitment and encouraged them to work collaboratively.
“I congratulate all the leaders in Nabila Village for their tremendous support in taking ownership of this campaign and my ministry will continue to work together with police and relevant stakeholders to facilitate awareness programs, counseling and anger management programs,” Dr Luveni said.
“Under this campaign it takes one year of preparedness to establish community support and framework to declare zero tolerance on violence against women and children.”
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