Women living in Naitata settlement in Navua have commended Government’s initiative to promote women rights in their community.
These sentiments were aired when the community members met with the Minister for Women Dr Jiko Luveni after she officially included them to the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign.
Naitata settlement is now the second community in the Serua Province to be part of the campaign which is aimed at promoting the rights of women and children at all levels. To date a total of 66 communities have joined this campaign including Naitata, Makosoi and Lepanoni settlements from the province of Serua.
In her official address, Minister Luveni said that the elimination of violence is an important thematic area outlined in government’s Women’s Plan of Action of Action (2010 to 2019).
“There has been an increase in reports of domestic violence and this campaign banks on the community support to eliminate violence against women and children. Through an integrated approach the Ministry works with Police and the Non-Government Organisations to provide 8 to 10 months of awareness programs, giving communities access to information on addressing issues of violence.
“One of the key determinants of violence is poverty and financial challenges faced by the families. The government’s move to prioritise education through the 2014 budget will also ease the burden of families and ensure that every child have access to proper education. This campaign also enables women’s groups to venture into income generating projects, being financially independent provides women with better choices for their lives,” Dr Luveni said.
Laxmi Women’s Group president Mrs Muneshwari Chand said it was the first time for the Naitata women to confidently discuss within their community the challenges they face.
“The campaign has been an eye opener for the people of Naitata that violence is a serious crime and it should not be accepted in any situation. Through the awareness program the women are well informed about the reporting procedures and domestic violence restraining order”, Mrs Chand said.
Mr Rajesh Chand, a community leader said the campaign has challenged the men to change their behavior and attitude towards the women and children in Naitata.
“Respecting women and children is now embraced as one of the supreme practice of our village committee and it challenges men to become good role models for their children. We are truly indebted to the government for giving us this opportunity to work together as a community to improve the lives of our families, the Naitata people are proud of this initiative,” Mr Chand added.
Serua Police assistant superintendent Mr Eroni Ratavola said that the campaign complements 'Duavata Model” policing to reduce crime and domestic violence.
“The Serua province has recorded an increase in reports of domestic violence and through this campaign, the communities are informed that any form of violence against women and children is a serious crime and it should be reported. The Police also have the opportunity to provide awareness programs on drug offences, child abuse and sexual offences,” he said.
The 10 major phases of this campaign are: Initial planning process, identification of stakeholders, stakeholders meeting, the establishment of a gatekeepers committee, community consultation, official commitment, stakeholders and community training on gender based violence, economic and social empowerment program and finally the declaration of the community as a violence free community.
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