The role of women in decision making at community levels especially in rural and isolated communities is now being realised through the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign.
This week the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni officially declared Vanuakula in Tavua as a “violence free community”.
In her address to the community, Minister Dr Luveni said that through the campaign there has been increased awareness and information sharing that has actually steered a change in the mindset of the male counterparts to respect and value women.
“The Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign cultivates a collaborative approach between the communities and relevant stakeholders to eliminate violence against women and children. The campaign is strongly supported by male leaders who are part of the gatekeeping committee that works with closely with the Police to monitor the progress of this campaign. The prime message it resonates is that true development cannot be achieved without empowering the women as they are the key agents of change in their communities,” Dr Luveni reiterated.
Mrs Tarusila Uqeuqe, the president of Vanuakula Women’s Group revealed that unlike before, women are now aware of the laws that safeguard their rights to live violence free lives.
“We have been informed about the No Drop Policy through one of the awareness programs provided by the Police. If women are mistreated by their husbands then the cases have to be reported to the police and there is a Domestic Violence Decree which provides protection to the victims of domestic violence.
“Unlike before where families used to hide such matters, women now have the freedom to make informed decisions and take action to stop violence. Awareness has also focused on positive parenting skills and roles, responsibilities of mothers in raising their children,” she said.
Mr Solomone Faga, turaga-ni-koro for Vanuakula said a gatekeeping committee comprising of village elders, police and relevant stakeholders has been formed to oversee the success of this campaign.
“The gatekeepers committee is vigilant and ensures that peace and harmony is nurtured among the families, we have regular talks on these topics in our church meetings. There are frequent visits by the police and people are now aware that violence is not acceptable in any situation. They know that be it any forms of emotional, physical abuse is a serious crime and anyone found committing such an act will be dealt by the Police.
“We would like to thank the government in particular the Minister for Women for heading this initiative that is giving more respect and recognition to women in their communities. The awareness programs have initiated change in the mindsets of the men in Vanuakula. For example they are now taking pride in helping the women with their weekly cleaning up activities, organizing social events and also doing household chores like cooking and cleaning,” Mr Faga said.
The 3 other villages in Tavua that have joined the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign are Tavualevu, Nadelei and Vatutavui. A total of 63 communities in Fiji have joined this campaign since its establishment in 2009.