Vatukarasa village in the Nadroga/Navosa province has become the latest village to commit to Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign which was launched this week by the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni.
In her opening address, Dr Luveni acknowledged the commitment made by this community to work together with the Ministry and Police to stop violence.
“The Ministry is thankful to leaders of Vatukarasa for providing their support to eliminate violence in their village. Today we have observed the endorsement of the first phase of the 10 preparatory phases under the zero tolerance violence free community campaign.
“A gatekeeping committee has been formed and it will work closely with the Police and the Ministry to monitor the progress of this campaign. The presentation of a certificate is to acknowledge the long term commitment to take action against violence. They will have to go through 6 to 8 months of preparatory awareness programs and also comply with certain guidelines to reach to the final stage of the campaign, which will see Vatukarasa being declared as violence free community in Fiji,” Dr Luveni explained.
Vatukarasa Women’s Group president Mrs Adisau Tabaiwalu said that the campaign will be a boost for women to gain more knowledge on the various assistance provided especially during times when conflict or violence occurs.
“We hope that through this campaign, women who are normally bound to their domestic duties will look at ways to address issues like violence that affects them. The Volivoli women’s group is proud of this initiative and we are hopeful that by the time we complete this campaign, women will be more confident of their roles and reclaim their right to live a violence free and dignified life.
Mr Joveci Tomeru, turaga-ni-koro for Vatukarasa said that Dr Luveni’s message has inspired the men to relook at their role.
“The biggest message to take home is that we cannot turn a blind eye to violence, we have to take action now, so that as responsible fathers and husbands we can become good role model for our children.
“This is a new beginning for Vatukarasa people and we are thankful to the government for giving us this opportunity to address a problem which has been hidden for years and continues to plague our society. The campaign will challenge us to break free from old habits and embrace positive changes to fulfill the long awaited dream of a peaceful and just society” Mr Tomeru.
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