Government has firmed up its partnership with various key stakeholders that are working towards the elimination of violence through the revival of the Inter-Agency Taskforce on the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation will house the secretariat of this Taskforce which includes the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Correctional Services, Solicitor General’s Office and other government ministries including the health, education, provincial development and i-Taukei affairs ministry. The major women Non-Government Organisations in Fiji, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, National Council of Women and Soqosoqo Vakamarama are also part of this taskforce.
Representatives from UN Women, AusAID, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Fiji National University, Empower Pacific and Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons (FNCDP) are also members of this Taskforce.
A meeting for the Taskforce was held this morning at the Ministry’s Headquarters and was chaired by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation acting permanent secretary Dr Josefa Koroivueta.
In his opening address, Dr Koroivueta reiterated that the role of the Taskforce is to address the gaps and implement effective strategies to eliminate violence against women and children.
“The Ministry looks forward for your partnership and collaboration in working together to eliminate violence against women and children. The taskforce has provided a platform to establish collaborative networks to enhance the strategies and programs in eliminating violence against women and children.
“A work plan has been developed and the Taskforce will undertake the review of Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign and also organize a national summit on the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children, this event will coincide with the 16 days of Activism Campaign,” Dr Koroivueta said.
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