The Viria village in Naitasiri has become latest beneficiary of the government’s program to safeguard the rights and interests of women and children.
The community comprising of more than 300 people have vowed to protect women and children, by joining the Ministry of Women’s program on eliminating violence against women and children.
During the official launching of the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community campaign in Viria village yesterday, the newly formed gatekeepers committee was presented with a certificate to recognize their commitment to stop violence against women and children.
Following yesterday’s launching, the Viria village will now have to undergo 10 months of preparatory phase before it qualifies to be declared as a violence free community in Fiji. The Ministry and Fiji Police with relevant stakeholders will facilitate awareness and training programs on Gender Based Violence, Domestic Violence Decree, Child Welfare Decree, positive parenting, Women’s Reproductive Health, Anger and Stress Management, women’s leadership, legal literacy and financial literacy.
While officially launching the campaign, Mrs Raijieli Mawa, the Senior Women Interest Officer from Department of Women said that campaign will create a safe environment for women and children to live in.
“Women who experience violence in their daily lives often do not participate fully at various phases of development. The community will now proceed for the other phases of the program which includes training and sharing of information. The villagers need to know about the existing legislations that protect women and children, the awareness programs will be brought right down to their village. In this way women will be empowered to participate confidently through working hand in hand with men.
Mr Jamesa Kaiwaidau, spokesman for Viria village said the campaign will unite the men and women to work together for the development of their community. Having served in the Fiji Police for the last 40 years, the retired police officer is looking forward to capitalize on violence campaign to steer positive changes for this community.
“The campaign is a worthwhile investment in improving the lives of the families in Viria and it will challenge the parents to become better role models for their children, having a well-informed people around will help to build a progressive society. We are grateful to the Ministry of Women for giving us the opportunity to work towards becoming a violence free community in Fiji,” Mr Kaiwaidau said.
Representing the Viria Women’s Group, their president Mrs Asena Kenawai said that accessibility to information can be a challenge for rural women.
“For long women have struggled for equality and to get their rightful place in communities, this campaign is the way forward in empowering women to learn about their rights and freedom to live a empowered and fulfilling life,” she said.
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